Doctors typically follow specific steps to treat a patient. Diagnosing them is one of the initial parts of the process. It could include verbal discussions about the patient’s symptoms and diagnostic tests to learn more about their body’s condition. Getting an accurate diagnosis could help determine the appropriate treatment. Incorrect diagnosis could have grave errors, especially for severe health problems like aneurysms.
Brain aneurysms happen when an artery weakens and bulges like a balloon. Left untreated, it could burst or rupture, causing a severe stroke. Unfortunately, doctors might misdiagnose this medical condition because of its symptoms that are similar to other mild health issues, including the following:
- Intense headache
- Pain behind the eyes
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Vision problems
- Unusual stiffness or paralysis
- Issues with essential body functions, such as walking and speaking
One or more of these signs could be present in an aneurysm. However, doctors might mistake it for other common illnesses, such as ear infections, the flu or migraines. Additionally, the aneurysm might not appear in usual diagnostic tests. Only MRI, CTA or CT scans might give adequate results for an accurate diagnosis.
Still, aneurysms are treatable if detected. The necessary treatment might depend on severity. Some cases might require open surgery or endovascular therapy. Mild cases might require observation and monitoring while taking measures to reduce vital risk factors.
Maintaining medical care standards
Doctors must maintain strict standards to provide quality health care to all patients. Upholding these practices could help improve the chances of sufficiently diagnosing aneurysms and treating them appropriately.
However, some medical practitioners might make reckless mistakes and decisions, causing the patient’s condition to worsen. If this happens, it could be a valid case of medical malpractice. Based on the circumstances, the patient could file a claim and recover compensation to help cover the patient’s damages.