Stroke Misdiagnosis Lawyers in Pittsburgh

A stroke is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced. This can happen when a blood vessel becomes blocked by a clot (ischemic stroke) or bursts (hemorrhagic stroke). When this happens, part of the brain is deprived of oxygen and nutrients, leading to cell death and potentially permanent damage. 

Symptoms of a stroke include:

• confusion 
• difficulty speaking
• dizziness
• loss of balance or coordination 
• severe headache with no known cause
• sudden numbness or weakness in the arm, face, or leg 
• trouble seeing in one or both eyes

Each year, about 795,000 Americans experience a stroke. They are a significant cause of severe long-term disability, with many survivors incurring a permanent disability. As such, strokes can significantly affect an individual's health and well-being.

Recovering from a stroke takes both time and hard work. Depending on the severity of the stroke, proper recovery can take anywhere from a few weeks to many years. Generally, the first step is to focus on regaining any lost physical abilities, such as speech or movement, with physical therapy. Occupational therapy may also be beneficial in helping patients relearn activities of daily living. Other treatments may involve medication to prevent further strokes or reduce symptoms, cognitive rehabilitation to help improve mental function, and/or psychological counseling to help cope with any emotional fallout from the stroke. Ultimately, the goal of recovery is to work through any deficits and regain as much of your previous independence and quality of life as possible.

Why Strokes Are Misdiagnosed

A misdiagnosis can mean failing to recognize a stroke immediately after a stroke, while a patient is having a stroke, or overlooking signs of an impending stroke. About 9% of confirmed stroke patients in emergency departments have dealt with the delayed or missed diagnosis of acute stroke.

Strokes are often misdiagnosed because several conditions mimic a stroke's symptoms and are often incorrectly identified as other less severe conditions. This is problematic because a stroke must be diagnosed and treated quickly to minimize the long-term effects.

Strokes can be mistaken for and misdiagnosed as:

• Migraines: Strokes are sometimes misdiagnosed as migraines because the symptoms can appear similar. Strokes and migraines can cause sudden head pain, blurred vision, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting.
• Ear Infections: Strokes and ear infections have similar symptoms, such as confusion, loss of balance, difficulty hearing, and vertigo.
• Hypoglycemia: Strokes and hypoglycemia share some symptoms, such as confusion, dizziness, and weakness, making it difficult to differentiate between the two conditions, especially in people with diabetes who are more prone to hypoglycemia.
• Seizure Disorders: Strokes can cause involuntary movements, confusion, and sudden loss of consciousness, all of which are common symptoms of many seizure disorders. 
• Vertigo: Nausea, dizziness, and balance problems are all symptoms of both vertigo and strokes. A history of vertigo in a patient may also influence this particular misdiagnosis.

Gender and racial bias appear to influence stroke misdiagnosis as well. Women are reportedly 33% more likely to be misdiagnosed, and minorities are misdiagnosed at a rate of about 20-30%. 

If you believe your stroke was misdiagnosed due to medical negligence, seeking legal advice from an experienced medical malpractice attorney is in your best interest. Our stroke misdiagnosis attorneys in Pittsburgh are here to help you seek justice for your misdiagnosis.