Making a stroke misdiagnosis claim
Clinical negligence partner and AvMA panelist Oliver Thorne looks at injuries suffered by patients due to a misdiagnosed stroke.
As with many medical conditions, early diagnosis is crucial when it comes to strokes. If fast and effective medical treatment is administered when the warning signs first appear then a patient’s chances of making a good recovery are significantly improved.
Medical professionals are therefore trained to look out for the early symptoms, such as confusion, facial weakness, slurred speech, or loss of balance, and to make a correct diagnosis.
Unfortunately, the symptoms of stroke do overlap with other medical conditions often making an accurate diagnosis difficult, especially when younger victims are involved. The position is also complicated by common ‘stroke mimics’ such as seizures, fainting, migraine and functional neurological disorder.
In addition to physical examination, stroke can be ascertained by carrying out a blood test or a brain scan. Lumbar puncture can also be used.
Once stroke has been confirmed then suitable medical treatment must be provided promptly.
If there is a delay in identifying the condition and providing treatment the patient can suffer brain injury, leading to long-term and in some cases permanent health issues, including speech problems, impaired mobility, and memory loss. Stroke victims can lose their independence and become dependent on the care and support of others.
Where these health issues could have been avoided if a prompt and accurate diagnosis had been made then the patient may be entitled to make a medical negligence compensation claim.
We specialise in medical negligence law. Each claim is assessed on its own individual merits and our experienced medical negligence lawyers work closely with independent medical experts to build a case.
We are often able to reach an out of court settlement by negotiating a suitable compensation package. But where agreement isnt possible our solicitors will be ready to take the case through the court system, all the way to trial if necessary.
