Of the many different medical conditions that doctors misdiagnose each year, strokes are one of those at the top of the list. One of the reasons that physicians often mistake the symptoms that a patient is experiencing from something other than a stroke is because many of them fail to ask probing questions that would allow them to understand what’s truly going on.
Doctors often misdiagnose patients who are experiencing blurred or double vision or sudden loss of sight as something related to being tired or age. Oftentimes, it’s a sign that a patient’s blood vessel isn’t getting enough oxygen because it’s blocked, though. This is why any time you have a sudden-onset eye problem, you should advocate for yourself and ask a doctor if it may be the result of a stroke.
Patients who slur their speech, can’t walk in a straight line or are unsteady on their feet may be mistaken for being under the influence of drugs or alcohol when they’ve actually suffered a stroke. If your medical team seems to brush you off as being intoxicated, then you’ll want to emphasize to them that you’re not and ask if you’ve maybe had a stroke.
Although anyone should be wary if they experience sudden arm weakness or droopiness of the face, it’s particularly concerning if something of the sort happens to a pregnant woman. While these symptoms may be indicative of an individual suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome or an inflammation of a facial nerve, they, too, can be signs of a stroke.
Pregnant women are vulnerable to strokes at any time during their pregnancy, during childbirth and postpartum. Thousands of women have strokes while pregnant each year.
Other signs that you may have suffered a stroke include sudden-onset headaches.
The failure to diagnose is a serious problem. It can result in an individual either receiving the wrong treatment or a delayed one for their condition. When going up against doctors or hospitals, you’ll want to have an experienced Chicago medical malpractice attorney. Having one represent you that has earned a reputation for results in handling the most complex types of claims will protect your interests.