A stroke is a medical emergency because blocked blood flow or bleeding can lead to damaged brain tissue. Anyone who presents to a hospital with any signs of a stroke should receive immediate attention because more brain tissue is damaged as time passes.
Unfortunately, not everyone who arrives at the hospital with signs of a stroke will receive the care they need. Delayed diagnosis is possible when medical professionals mistake symptoms for another condition, don’t pay attention to what the patient is saying or minimize the symptoms the patient is reporting.
Not all strokes produce classic signs
Many people recognize classic stroke signs, which include:
- Arm weakness
- Facial drooping
- Severe headache
- Speech difficulty
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Balance problems
- Vision changes
When those signs are present, a swift diagnosis might be possible. However, there are times when less common symptoms might be present. Receiving a diagnosis in those cases can be challenging.
Time impacts treatment options
Many stroke treatments depend on how much time has elapsed since the onset of symptoms. Emergency departments may use a variety of testing options, such as neurological exams, imaging and lab work to determine if a stroke is occurring and what type of stroke is happening if one is present.
The American Heart Association notes that even short emergency room delays can lead to reduced life expectancy when a person is having a stroke. This means that medical professionals must swiftly identify potential strokes so they can quickly determine what’s going on and start the proper treatment protocol.
When there is a delayed diagnosis or missed diagnosis of a stroke, the patient can suffer negative consequences. They may opt to hold the medical team accountable for the medical malpractice or negligence by filing a legal claim. Working with someone familiar with these matters may be beneficial so the case can move forward while the patient continues to heal.