Failure To Diagnose A Stroke Lawsuits

Since 2001 we have helped thousands of people pursue Illinois medical malpractice lawsuits, including for a doctor failing to diagnose a stroke. Contact us at 312-346-5320 for help with a free case review.

Often when seeking medical attention, time is of the essence. Delays in giving standard medical care can have catastrophic results. One of the most dangerous misdiagnoses occurs when medical providers fail to recognize or treat the signs of a stroke. A stroke is a medical emergency that requires immediate intervention, and any delay in diagnosis can result in irreversible brain damage, difficulty with walking or talking, or even death. If those things happen, you may have a medical malpractice lawsuit.

A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, depriving brain cells of oxygen. There are two types of strokes. A hemorrhagic stroke which is caused by bleeding on the brain or a cerebral hemorrhage. The other is an ischemic stroke which is caused by a blocked blood vessel to the brain.   The most common symptoms include:

• Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg—especially on one side of the body
• Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
• Confusion or trouble comprehending language
• Vision problems in one or both eyes
• Loss of balance, dizziness, or difficulty walking
• A severe, unexplained headache

Because strokes can progress rapidly, prompt medical treatment is essential. Immediate interventions such as clot-busting medication or surgical procedures can significantly reduce long-term damage. When medical professionals fail to recognize or act on stroke symptoms, the outcome can be catastrophic. It can literally be the difference between returning to your normal self vs spending the rest of your life in a wheelchair or death. In fact, strokes are the second leading cause of death in the US. Many of these deaths are preventable.

Despite the clear warning signs, strokes are frequently misdiagnosed. This is particularly true for younger patients, those with atypical symptoms, or individuals without common stroke risk factors. Common errors that lead to misdiagnosis include:

• Dismissing Symptoms as Minor Issues: Patients experiencing dizziness, headaches, or temporary weakness may be told they are suffering from migraines, vertigo, or anxiety.
• Failure to Order Proper Testing: Essential diagnostic tools such as CT scans, MRIs, and blood tests can confirm a stroke, yet some providers fail to order them promptly.
• Delays in Treatment: Even when a stroke is suspected, unnecessary delays in administering treatment can mean the difference between recovery and permanent disability.
• Inadequate Patient Assessment: A rushed or incomplete evaluation may cause a doctor to miss crucial warning signs, leading to a misdiagnosis.

If you or a loved one had a stroke that was not diagnosed properly in Illinois, we’d love to help you. There is no fee to bring a case and we will make sure that an elite firm with an incredible track record of success reviews your case. These cases are often worth many millions of dollars due to the care needed for the stroke victim. Call us any time at 312-346-5320 for help everywhere in Illinois.