Failure to Diagnose Stroke

A stroke, or cerebrovascular accident, occurs when brain cells die due to a disruption in blood supply to a portion of the brain. A majority are ischemic strokes, which are caused by a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. Another type of stroke is known as hemorrhagic strokes. These are caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel in the brain. Strokes kill about 170,000 people and disable another 200,000 in the United States each year. The most common cause of strokes is high blood pressure.

In some cases, an impending stroke may be signaled by a mini stroke, or transient ischemic attack (TIA). TIA is followed by a stroke in more than one-third of those who experience it. TIA occurs due to a temporary blockage or reduction of flow in an artery supplying the brain, usually as the result of a blood clot.

Other warnings and symptoms of a stroke may include:

If a stroke is suspected, a CT scan of the brain may be indicated to determine whether there was any bleeding in the brain. Prompt emergency room care can mean the difference between life and death.  In some events, the anti-stroke drug TPA is given. The window for administration of TPA protocol is usually within three hours of the onset of stroke symptoms.

If you have doubts over whether a doctor correctly diagnosed a stroke or mini stroke suffered by you or your loved one, then you should consult with one of our attorneys regarding a medical malpractice claim for failure to diagnose stroke.