A brain aneurysm occurs when an artery in the brain bulges, usually due to weakened blood vessel walls. If the artery ruptures, it can cause a bleeding brain injury that can result in severe medical conditions and even wrongful death. While medical technology allows for the diagnosis and treatment of brain aneurysms, doctors often ignore the warning signs.
The results of this negligence can be tragic.
At The Becker Law Firm, we represent people who have suffered due to the missed diagnosis of brain aneurysms and other types of medical malpractice. Our attorneys are committed to helping victims of medical negligence recover full and just compensation for the losses they have suffered. Contact our Ohio brain aneurysm lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation.
The Warning Signs of a Brain Aneurysm
Doctors are trained to recognize symptoms of brain aneurysms. The failure to recognize these symptoms or provide adequate treatment when they exist can have catastrophic results.
Warning signs of brain aneurysms include:
- Severe headaches;
- Blurred vision;
- Sensitivity to light;
- Neck pain;
- Nausea; and
- Vomiting.
Symptoms of an aneurysm are frequently obvious. Despite doctors being trained to recognize the symptoms, there are circumstances in which this condition may not be diagnosed properly.
Here are four common causes of an undiagnosed aneurysm:
- Failure to recognize symptoms of an aneurysm
- Doctor failing to order diagnostic tests
- Doctor, radiologist, or pathologist misinterpreting results of tests
- Aneurysm diagnosed as another medical condition
These are just some of the causes for an undiagnosed aneurysm. When this type of preventable condition leads to serious or fatal injuries, compensation may be available to victims.
Our Cleveland brain aneurysm attorneys have extensive experience handling these matters and can help you determine if medical negligence played a role in your or your loved one’s injury or death. If your case has merit, we can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Consequences of a Delayed Diagnosis
Aneurysms develop in blood vessels and can be life-threatening. There are two types of aneurysms that can develop. One is a dissecting type, which is the result of the inside layer of the blood vessel tearing, causing blood to flow through and separate the other layers.
Another type of aneurysm is a bulge, where a spot in the blood vessel balloons out. With this type, it can burst through the blood vessel if not detected and treated.
Aneurysms most commonly develop in the brain and the aorta, which is the largest artery in the body. Early detection and treatment of either type could mean the difference between life and death, and determine whether or not an individual suffers serious complications.
If there is failure to diagnose an aneurysm, it can result in:
- Brain damage;
- Significant internal bleeding;
- Paralysis;
- Coma; and
- Death.
With an aneurysm being an especially dangerous condition to develop, whether in the brain or the aorta, immediate medical treatment is important. This usually involves surgical intervention. If there is a delay in diagnosing it, treatment options may not be available.
If an emergency room doctor or any other medical professional suspects the possibility of an aneurysm, tests should be done immediately. Not recognizing the symptoms or a delay in recognizing them may be considered forms of medical negligence.
If there was a delay in ordering tests or the patient wasn’t put through any tests, this could also be a case of negligence. A failure to diagnose such a serious medical condition may lead to the doctor being held liable. To learn what your rights are, don't wait to contact a lawyer.
