Stroke misdiagnosis might leave you permanently disabled

Florida residents in the prime of life seldom expect or recognize the signs of stroke. If you did not feel quite right, you might have gone to the emergency room for help. However, if the doctor misdiagnosed your condition and treated you for a different ailment or none at all, it might have devastating consequences.

According to the CDC, stroke was the cause of one out of every six deaths from cardiovascular disease in 2018. Although this event typically occurs in older Americans, more than a third of stroke victims are younger than 65.

Stroke symptoms

A stroke occurs when abnormal brain functions result from a lack of blood flow caused by a rupture or blockage of an artery to the brain. This type of medical event has occurred more frequently in people 45 years old and younger in the last few years. Signs of a stroke include the following:

• Numbness, weakness or paralysis on one side of the body
• Severe headache
• Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
• Sudden loss of leg strength
• Vision changes, including blurriness, dimness or double vision
• Fainting

These symptoms, while common, may not occur simultaneously. Medical professionals owe patients a duty of care. If your doctor fails to order the appropriate tests or delays action to prevent further harm, they could be liable if your condition worsens.

Misdiagnosis consequences

Physicians misdiagnose a stroke in adults under the age of 45 almost 30% of the time. They often attribute mild stroke symptoms to substance abuse or migraine. Timely, appropriate medical care can minimize or avoid damage from a stroke. Lack of proper care, misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis can result in emotional, physical and financial hardships. A major stroke can leave you permanently disabled. If you suffered a medical event and negligence by healthcare professionals contributed to your condition, you may have grounds for a claim.