A parent’s intuition is hardly wrong, especially when it concerns the well-being of a child. This might prompt a few trips to the ER until proven wrong. The doctor might listen for a few minutes, check a few things and tell you to relax. You want to believe that, but...
A rare but serious condition, cauda equina syndrome (CES) affects the bundle of nerves at the base of the spinal cord. When these nerves become compressed, patients often experience severe back pain, numbness, bladder or bowel dysfunction and even permanent...
People trust doctors to be competent enough to diagnose and treat their medical conditions. They rely on professionals to diagnose their conditions and recommend the right type of treatment. Unfortunately, medical errors remain a common issue in the United States. In...
Medication errors can cause complications for patients. A large percentage of medications require self-administration. Patients fill their prescription at a pharmacy and then follow medical instructions. People who worry about medication errors may feel safer when...
A timely and accurate diagnosis is crucial for a positive outcome. It determines the clinical path for treatment, management and recovery. With all the advancements in medical technology, you might assume that missed diagnoses are a thing of the past. However,...
Surgeons are trained extensively to perform delicate medical procedures on people who require immediate or life-threatening care. Undergoing surgery can be very stressful for a patient. Knowing a surgeon has the knowledge and experience to care for them can ease a...
Retained surgical items (RSIs) are items that a surgeon leaves inside a patient’s body after surgery. Examples include surgical sponges, needles and surgical instruments like drains, clamps and retractors. Leaving foreign objects in the body is harmful. It can lead to...
Anesthetists do more than just put you to sleep during an operation. They also monitor your vital signs, respond to emergencies and collaborate with the surgical team to ensure everything goes smoothly. It’s a high-stakes job that demands precision. A single mishap...
The intravenous administration of drugs is effective and relatively rapid. Unfortunately, mistakes can happen even when medical professionals administer medications to patients. In some cases, a nurse, phlebotomist or other professional attempting to inject medication...
Accurate and timely diagnosis is the foundation of effective medical care. When a healthcare provider overlooks, delays or misinterprets symptoms, it can prevent patients from receiving the treatment they urgently need. This failure to diagnose can lead to serious and...