Medical Conditions That Increase Stroke Risk
A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries blood to the brain is blocked or bursts, resulting in an ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke respectively. Without essential oxygen, nerve cells in the brain suffer trauma or permanent damage. The part of the body which is controlled by the affected region of the brain cannot function. Therefore, stroke care is two-fold according to the Miami Neuroscience Institute:
- Lessening the medical complications caused by stroke
- Diagnosing the underlying cause to reduce or eliminate the potential for another stroke
With respect to #2, some patients are fortunate in a sense: Once diagnosed, they can reduce the risk through such lifestyle changes as quitting smoking, becoming more physically active, and getting hypertension or cholesterol under control. For individuals with conditions that are less often associated with stroke, a diagnosis can be elusive. It is important to consult with a Miami failure to diagnose stroke attorney if you suffered harm due to:
Undiagnosed Inflammatory Blood Vessel Condition
When the walls of the blood vessels thicken through a disorder termed vasculitis, the inflammation reduces the space through which blood can travel. Swelling in the blood vessels that supply the brain can lead to ischemic stroke, but these conditions are treatable by medications to control inflammation.
Errors in Diagnosing a Non-Inflammatory Blood Vessel Disorder
Blood flow can also be restricted by medical conditions that cause abnormal development of the cells that form blood vessel walls. The two carotid arteries, the main vessels in the neck that supply blood to the brain, are frequently affected. In addition, certain disorders can cause blood vessels to vasospasm, i.e., contract to restrict blood flow.
Misdiagnosis of a Hematological Blood Condition
The human body’s blood can be the cause of stroke, particularly with coagulation system disorders that lead to formation of cloths and block flow. Sickle cell anemia is another type of blood condition which requires prompt diagnosis and treatment to avoid stroke: This disorder affects the shape of red blood cells, which results in the inability to carry oxygen and difficulty moving through blood vessels.
Legal Remedies for Stroke Diagnosis Errors
Knowing that proper stroke care requires prompt diagnosis of an underlying condition, failures may give rise to liability for stroke misdiagnosis – a type of medical malpractice claim. Even if the disorder is rare, health care providers are required to issue diagnoses in accordance with the appropriate standard of care: What a hypothetical physician in the same specialty area would have done under the same circumstances. Departing from this standard may constitute malpractice, though there are additional elements you will need to prove to recover for your medical costs, pain and suffering, and other losses.
Talk to a Florida Med Mal Lawyer About Failure to Diagnose Stroke
By complying with the proper standard of care under Florida med mal laws, your physician should be able to handle both the common and rare causes of stroke. For more information on your legal options, please contact Freidin Brown, P.A. to set up a free consultation at our offices in Miami or Fort Myers, FL.
Resource:
neuroscience.baptisthealth.net/miami-neuroscience-institute/services-and-programs/stroke
