Helping Stroke Victims

 

How to Prevent and Identify a Stroke

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 and treat the symptoms of a TIA and the patient suffers a devastating stroke, they may have committed medical malpractice. However, medical malpractice in this area is not limited to the failure to diagnose a stroke – it also  describes the failure to properly treat or prevent a stroke. For example, Coumadin, a blood thinning agent used by physicians to prevent blood clots, can actually result in severe brain hemorrhaging if improperly administered to a hemorrhagic stroke victim. Conversely, a patient may suffer an ischemic stroke if a physician fails to prescribe Coumadin or a similar medication to prevent blood clots from forming in certain situations. It is always wise to get a second opinion or consult with a medical malpractice attorney if you feel your doctor or hospital may have caused or failed to prevent your condition.


Brain Injuries

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At Cirignani Heller & Harman, LLP, we represent Illinois clients in Chicago and throughout Cook County, including the cities of Cicero, Elgin, Schaumburg, Oak Park, Maywood, Berwyn, Elmhurst, Evanston, Skokie, Des Plaines, Mount Prospect, Arlington Heights, Palatine and Hoffman Estates. We also help clients in DuPage County, Kane County, Lake County, McHenry County, Will County and Winnebago County. If you have been the victim of medical malpractice in Illinois, CHH Law is the law firm with attorneys that can help.

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