Swift treatment is the key to survival and recovery in
stroke victims, but
young adults are often misdiagnosed in emergency rooms and sent home with no treatment
at all. The most effective treatment is only available during the first
three hours, and patients need to be monitored for up to 48 hours following
the event. Even those who do not go to the hospital within the optimum
time frame still require medical attention.
Young adults are misdiagnosed because they are not generally considered
to be at risk for stroke. While that may apply to the age-group in general,
stroke can occur in anyone with no known risk factors, and age is only
one of many possible contributors.
For instance, common medications such as oral contraceptives, can greatly
increase the risk of stroke. When patients are able to inform emergency
room staff of medications they are taking, anything that could increase
the risk of stroke should signal the need for proper testing, but the
connection isn't always made. Additionally, stroke victims may not
be capable of listing their medications or may not be able to remember
them, so emergency room staff should assume the possibility of stroke
in all patients presenting with certain symptoms and conduct the necessary
tests even the symptoms seem minor.
Delayed treatment or lack of treatment for stroke can mean a lifetime of
severe disability and the need for extensive therapy and medical treatments.
Some patients can have improved function with therapy, but many will need
life-long care and some will even require 24-hour supervision in a nursing
home or other care facility.
Stroke misdiagnosis is
medical malpractice for which you not only deserve, but need compensation in order to have
access to the newest treatments which provide the best chance at recovery
or to pay for necessary care when recovery is not possible.
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed by stroke misdiagnosis
in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area, please contact Golomb & Honik,
P.C. using the form at the left side of the page today to schedule a free
consultation .