A stroke can happen in an instant and the idea of enduring one can be mortifying. But what if the stroke was caused by a misdiagnosis? That's an even more frightening thought and one that is all too real for some patients.
In this blog post, we will discuss some of the ways in which a misdiagnosis can lead to a stroke. We'll also talk about the importance of getting treatment within the critical three-hour window, and how to prevent a misdiagnosis from happening in the first place. Read on to learn more.
Misdiagnosis Can Lead to Stroke
The Critical Three-Hour Window
One of the most common ways a misdiagnosis can lead to a stroke is by delaying treatment past the critical three-hour window. This is the time period after a stroke starts during which treatment must be given in order to prevent brain damage or death. If treatment is delayed even by an hour, the chances of a full recovery are drastically reduced. In some cases, delays in treatment can even lead to lifelong brain damage or death. For this reason, physicians must make timely decisions when it comes to potential stroke patients and do everything possible to avoid delaying care.
Failure to Order CT Scan
Another way a misdiagnosis can cause a stroke is by failing to order a CT scan. It is an important tool that doctors use to diagnose strokes.
A CT scan is an x-ray image developed using an element of tomography that allows a computer to control the movements of the x-ray source and detectors, process the data, and create the image.
If a doctor fails to order a CT scan, they may miss important signs of a stroke and fail to provide timely treatment. This can lead to serious brain damage or death.
Be An Advocate for Your Health
You can help prevent a misdiagnosis by being an advocate for your own health. If you think you may be having a stroke, don't wait to see if the symptoms go away. Call 911 immediately and go to the nearest emergency room. Time is of the essence when it comes to strokes, so don't delay in getting treatment.
If you have already had a stroke, there are steps you can take to prevent another one. Be sure to follow your doctor's instructions and take all medications as prescribed. You should also eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and avoid smoking. Taking these steps will help reduce your risk of having another stroke.
However, when you receive treatment from a medical professional, they owe you a duty of care to provide the best treatment possible. If you are harmed as a result of the negligence of your physician or another medical professional, you may be owed compensation for your losses.
Our Team is Here to Help You
If you or a loved one has suffered from a stroke, misdiagnosis, or any other type of medical error, contact an experienced medical malpractice attorney at our firm to discuss your case. You may be able to recover compensation for your injuries, pain and suffering, and more.
An experienced medical malpractice attorney at Cherundolo Law Firm, PLLC can help you understand your rights and options after a misdiagnosis or other medical mistake. Contact us today for a free consultation. We would be honored to help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
If you have any questions about this topic or anything else related to medical malpractice, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We're here to help!
Contact our experienced attorneys at Cherundolo Law Firm, PLLC today by calling (315) 544-3332 or by filling out our online contact form.
