Stroke Detection and Prevention
A stroke will drastically change the life of the victim. Stroke victims often find themselves dealing with some very serious long-term conditions, such as:
- Paralysis
- Impaired speech
- Loss of the use of extremities
- Cognitive impairment
- Depression
- Increased risk for successive strokes
Causes of a Stroke
A stroke is caused by a disruption in the blood flow to the brain. The two most common types of strokes are ischemic strokes, resulting when the blood flow to the brain is blocked by a blood clot; and hemorrhagic strokes, resulting from a burst blood vessel in the brain. On many occasions, these major strokes are preceded by a small stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). Some of the key symptoms of a TIA include:
- transient slurred speech
- transient weakness in the face or extremities
- brief episodes of confusion
- transient visual disturbances
For many, these mini-strokes – these temporary losses of function – serve as a warning sign for an impending major stroke. Early recognition and proper treatment of a small stroke or TIA can prevent a major stroke, its serious long-term effects like those listed above, and even death.
Strokes and Medical Malpractice
When physicians fail to recognize, appreciate, and treat the symptoms of a TIA or mini-stroke, this very well could be medical malpractice. And the consequences can be devastating, especially if the patient goes on to experience a subsequent major stroke.
Malpractice can also occur if a physician fails to appropriately treat a stroke as it is occurring. Specifically, when a patient is exhibiting stroke symptoms, the standard of care requires physicians to quickly assess and determine whether the stroke is hemorrhagic or ischemic in nature, since these two categories of strokes are treated very differently. This needs to occur in a timely fashion so that the appropriate treatments can be undertaken in a timely fashion so as to minimize damage to the brain.
If you are concerned that you or a loved one may have experienced a mini-stroke or TIA that was not recognized and appropriately treated, reach out to one of the attorneys at Cirignani Heller & Harman, LLP today for a free consultation. And similarly, if you are concerned that a stroke was inadequately or inappropriately treated, leading to excessive and unnecessary brain injury, contact CHH today. With our many years of experience, and our expertise in handling medical malpractice cases, we are here to help.
