Brain Bleed/Aneurysms in Medical Malpractice
Brain bleeds and aneurysms are life-threatening medical conditions that often go undiagnosed and, as a result, are closely associated with medical malpractice. If you or someone you care about suffered an intracranial hemorrhage – brain bleed – or aneurysm as a result of delayed diagnosis or misdiagnosis, don’t wait to consult with an experienced Charleston medical malpractice attorney.
Undiagnosed Brain Aneurysms Often Lead to Intracranial Bleeding
A cerebral aneurysm – also called an intracranial or brain aneurysm – refers to an artery in the brain that balloons or bulges abnormally, which can lead to excess pressure on the surrounding brain tissue and nerves. As the walls of the blood vessels continue to thin, they become more prone to rupturing, which translates to life-threatening bleeding into or around the brain. Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis in relation to aneurysms leaves clients extremely vulnerable to fatal or catastrophic consequences.
Symptoms that Commonly Accompany Aneurysms
Once an aneurysm reaches the size that it creates significant pressure, it can lead to symptoms like the following:
- A headache that’s focused on one side – called a unilateral headache
- A drooping eyelid – called ptosis
- A dilated pupil
- Pain that concentrates above or behind one eye
- Blurred or double vision
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Numbness on one side of the face
Misdiagnosis
A recent study published by the National Library of Medicine reports that intracranial hemorrhages are a potentially fatal condition that is frequently misdiagnosed. Without prompt diagnosis and effective treatment, the chances of survival decrease significantly. In fact, brain bleeds account for about 15 percent of all strokes in the United States and are one of the primary causes of death. In other words, clinical misdiagnosis, or failure to treat an aneurysm can have dire consequences, and misdiagnosis rates range from 5 to 51 percent – according to available statistics.
The Elements of Malpractice in South Carolina
To bring a successful medical malpractice case in South Carolina – which is necessary to recover from your physical, financial, and emotional losses – all the following elements must be present:
- The medical professional or medical facility you identify as being responsible must have owed you a duty of care, which professionals in the field of medicine always owe their patients.
- The medical professional or facility must have breached the duty of care owed to you, and misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis of an aneurysm likely qualifies.
- You were injured as a result, such as if a misdiagnosed aneurysm led to bleeding in your brain.
- You suffered legal damages as a result, which included medical expenses, lost income, and physical and emotional pain and suffering.
Turn to an Experienced Charleston Medical Malpractice Attorney for the Help You Need Today
The trusted medical malpractice attorneys at Parham Law in Charleston, South Carolina, are committed to fiercely advocating for our clients’ legal rights – and rightful compensation – and we’re standing by to help you, too. Medical malpractice can have devastating consequences, so please don’t wait to contact or call us at 864-400-2545 for more information about what we can do for you today.