What is a Stroke?
What is a Stroke?
A stroke occurs when blood flow in the brain is interrupted by any obstacle. Arteries carry blood that contains oxygen required for the brain to function. When the blood flow is hindered, the brain is starved of oxygen, causing brain cells to die and resulting in serious permanent damage or death.
A stroke can occur in two forms:
· Ischemic stroke
An ischemic stroke happens when a blood vessel in the brain is blocked by a blood clot. This blockage can by due to accumulated fat, cholesterol, or other substances, which rapidly build up due to high blood pressure.
· Hemorrhagic Stroke
A hemorrhagic stroke involves the rupture of a blood vessel in the brain, resulting in leakage of blood into the brain tissue. Blood vessels tend to weaken and burst due to risk factors such as high blood pressure or ruptured aneurysm.
A stroke may often occur at a small level first, increasing the chances of a major stroke in the future. Strokes can be devastating for the patient as well as his family. Failure or delay in diagnosing a stroke will leave a fatal bearing on the patient’s life.
Diagnosing a Stroke
Doctors and medical experts must be aware of the risk factors, symptoms and warning signs of a stroke, and be well aware of the patient’s history of a previous stroke or its symptoms. Major risk factors contributing to a stroke include high blood pressure, smoking habits, diabetes, heart disease, or a previous history of minor strokes. Risk factors must be addressed efficiently, and appropriate life style changes must be recommended to reduce the risk of a stroke’s occurrence.
A thorough physical examination of the patient must be conducted, including a complete check-up of pulse, blood pressure, heart and lungs, reflexes, speech, memory, and thought processes. In case the patient exhibits strong symptoms of a stroke, an MRI or CT scan may be required to diagnose the stroke.
Symptoms of a stroke include:
· Numbness and weakness in the arms, legs and face, or on one side of the body
· Problems with vision
· Confusion and impaired speech
· Dizziness
· Lack of coordination
· Difficulty with balance and walking
· Headache
Failure to Diagnose a Stroke
Since a stroke impacts the person’s brain, the patient may not be able to comprehend or perceive his own symptoms. It is vital for the physician to be able to identify signs and make a correct diagnosis for the patient.
When an incorrect diagnosis is made, or when the doctor fails to diagnose the stroke, the patient’s life or ability to lead a normal life may be at stake, as a stroke can be permanently disabling or fatal.
Some of the ways in which the doctor may fail to diagnose a stroke include:
· Misinterpretation of test results
· Wrong diagnosis
· Failure to conduct the appropriate tests
· Failure to take note of patient’s medical history
· Failure to recognize symptoms of a stroke
The Best Law Firm in NYC
If you or your loved one has been subjected to a medical malpractice by failure to diagnose a stroke, seek legal assistance from a New York City medical malpractice attorney.
Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff, & Wolff (RMFW) knows the law. They know medical malpractice cases. They are efficient in their legal execution. There are doctors and medical experts they have on speed dial that can evaluate a case to see if your case is genuine or not. The first consultation is free.
Our number is 212-344-1000. We know this arena. If you want a larger checking account and for all those bills to be paid and then some, give us a call. We have won big money for past clients and we will present you with a plan(s) on how to proceed.
