Medical Malpractice Due to Brain Aneurysms
We count on doctors to take care of us when we are ill or injured, but sometimes they do more harm than good. An incompetent doctor can cause a person to suffer severe harm due to reckless behavior or neglect.
One thing that might get overlooked in a medical exam or procedure is the possibility of a brain aneurysm. A brain aneurysm is a weak or thin spot on an artery in the brain. It bulges out and fills with blood. It can burst and cause hemorrhaging and even death if not treated promptly.
A burst aneurysm can cause severe headaches, blurred vision, nausea, and vomiting. A doctor may mistake an aneurysm for a migraine headache, which means a patient may not get the care they need. This can lead to a worsened condition and even death.
Aneurysms can also lead to medical malpractice cases. There were 121 cases related to intracranial hemorrhages between 1985 and 2020. The most common cause of hemorrhage was cerebral aneurysm or vascular malformation, at more than 37%. Sixty percent of cases were brought against a hospital or healthcare system, while 33% were against emergency medicine physicians.
Failure to diagnose was the most common reason for litigation, accounting for 84% of cases. In most cases (almost 49%), the verdicts favored the defense, meaning that the doctors won. In 35.5% of cases, there were settlements. When the plaintiffs did win, they tended to be younger. Plus, the cases were much more likely to involve a neurologist.
Dealing With Brain Aneurysms
Brain aneurysms can come about suddenly. They can present themselves in various ways. Common symptoms include:
- Severe headache
- Severe pain behind the eyes
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Vision loss/blurred vision
- Dizzy spells
- Sensitivity to light
- Stiff neck
- Sudden loss of coordination
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to see a doctor and get prompt treatment. Most brain aneurysms are treatable if caught early enough. The primary goal is to prevent the aneurysm from bleeding.
In many cases, your doctor will not correctly diagnose an aneurysm the first time around. If you are still experiencing symptoms, get a second or third opinion. In many cases, a brain aneurysm is misdiagnosed as the flu, stress, or an ear infection. Doctors have even accused patients of drug use.
Contact a New Jersey Personal Injury Lawyer Today
Doctors need to do their due diligence in preventing harm to patients. There is a lot that can go wrong during a medical procedure, so it’s important to be thorough and not miss any steps.
Brain aneurysms and other medical issues can arise at any time. Is the doctor to blame? Could something have been done? Discuss your case with a Morristown medical malpractice attorney from The Law Offices of Michael P. Burakoff. Our experienced team can give you solid legal advice. Schedule a free consultation today by filling out the online form or calling (973) 455-1567.
Source:
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10121625/
