Nearly all of us feel a little off every now and them. Depending on the circumstances, the feeling could be chalked up to something as minor as allergies, or it could be something much more serious. This is why Texans turn to trusted doctors. Patients expect to have their symptoms properly assessed so that a diagnosis can be made and effective treatment can begin. Any misstep along the way, though, can result in serious harm to a patient.
To see an example, on need only look at the effects of stroke. Stroke, when improperly diagnosed and quickly treated, can lead to extensive brain damage. The specific damage caused is dependent upon the area of the brain that is affected. For example, a stroke that occurs in the back part of the brain will likely result in some sort of vision disability. If a stroke occurs on the right side of the brain, then the left side of the body will be affected. Specifically, an individual in this situation may suffer paralysis, memory deterioration, vision trouble, and an inquisitive behavioral style. When a stroke occurs on the left side of the brain, then a victim may suffer paralysis on the right side of his or her body, memory loss, difficulty speaking, and a cautious way of behaving. A stroke can even occur in the brain stem. When this happens, a victim can have both sides of his or her brain affected, resulting in total paralysis. Far too often, these victims are left in what is known as a “locked-in” state, where they are unable to speak or move.
Fortunately, medical advances have allowed professionals to effectively treat stroke patients, but timing is everything. Therefore, a quick and accurate diagnosis is key to proper treatment. A failure to diagnose or a misdiagnosis can lead to irreparable harm to a patient. In these instances, a victim may want to consider pursuing a medical malpractice claim in hopes of finding accountability and compensation for his or her losses.
