According to the National Institute of Health, stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States. Over half a million people suffer strokes each year, but despite the prevalence of strokes, doctors often fail to diagnose them properly, and this can have severe consequences.

A stroke occurs when a blockage interrupts blood flow to the brain (called an ischemic stroke), or when a blood vessel in the brain tears or ruptures, surrounding brain cells with blood (called a hemorrhagic stroke). Symptoms of a stroke often present themselves suddenly, and can include numbness or loss of strength on one or both sides of the body, blurred or troubled vision, difficulty speaking, loss of balance, confusion, or dizziness.

There are several factors that put one at risk for stroke, such as diabetes, atrial fibrillation, and hypertension (high blood pressure) among others. These conditions need to be actively monitored by healthcare professionals. Preventing strokes from progressing or hopefully from occurring is important, and if a patient does not receive proper preventative medical attention, then there may be physician responsibility. Often blood thinners such as coumadin or heparin are used where indicated. These drugs can prevent a stroke where properly administered.

There are also several drugs that have been proven to increase the likelihood of stroke. Some of these drugs have been recalled, or warnings were issued to consumers publicizing this risk. If you were taking one of these drugs before the drug was recalled and you suffered a stroke, the pharmaceutical company who manufactured the drug may be liable for your injuries.

When a stroke occurs, it is of the utmost importance that the patient’s doctor accurately diagnoses the problem as soon as possible. Misdiagnosis or the failure to diagnose a stroke in a timely fashion can lead to serious injuries or wrongful death. Sometimes, a patient with stroke-like symptoms will actually have what is called a “transient ischemic attack.” These TIAs may precede a more profound stroke. A TIA can be a serious diagnosis and patients should properly monitored, medicated and carefully monitored.

After a person begins exhibiting stroke symptoms, there is a brief window of time during which doctors can administer a drug called tPA, or “Tissue Plasminogen Activator.” This drug dissolves clots in the brain, which may be blocking the normal flow of oxygen. If tPA is not administered within this brief window, care providers generally will not administer it at all. Only certain people are eligible for this type of treatment but it can and does save brain function.

While strokes occur in the brain, they can affect one’s entire body. One of the most common permanent injuries caused by strokes is paralysis on one side of the body, called hemiplegia. Beyond this, however, residual stroke deficits may include speech and motor difficulties, memory loss, and more.

If you or someone you love has suffered permanent damages from a stroke that was misdiagnosed or mistreated, please contact the Righthand Law Office immediately. You may be eligible to be compensated for your losses arising out of negligent medical treatment leading to stroke, or failure to properly treat the stroke once diagnosed.