It is estimated that someone has a stroke every 40 seconds, and almost 800,000 people experience this yearly.
Unfortunately, not all cases of strokes are diagnosed properly. In fact, misdiagnosis of strokes leads to 40,000 to 80,000 preventable deaths in the U.S. every year, with thousands of other people experiencing permanent disabilities. Learn more about strokes and how they are misdiagnosed here.
There are different types of strokes
You can experience two types of strokes. These include the following:
- Ischemic stroke: This occurs when something like a blood clot blocks the movement of blood to the brain. It accounts for almost 80% of strokes.
- Hemorrhagic stroke: This occurs when a blood vessel begins to leak or if it bursts. It can also occur from a brain aneurysm.
How medical professionals miss signs of a stroke
According to one study, strokes often present as dizziness and headaches (especially in younger women). Instead of running the appropriate tests, many doctors and healthcare professionals will send the individual home. If treatment is not provided, the results may be devastating.
If a healthcare professional misses the signs of a stroke that is about to happen or occur, it is extremely serious. Missing the signs of a stroke can result in devastating outcomes and even death.
What happens if your stroke is not diagnosed
If someone is sent home rather than treated, a stroke can be debilitating and life-threatening. If this situation happens to you or someone in your family, you have legal rights and options. It may be possible to sue the negligent doctor or medical professional for misdiagnosis or failure to diagnose by filing a medical malpractice lawsuit.