Stroke Medical Negligence Failure to Perform a CT or MRI Scan in Stroke
STROKE MEDICAL NEGLIGENCE FAILURE TO PERFORM A CT OR MRI SCAN IN STROKE
John Whelan Solicitor with specialist expertise in Stroke Medical Negligence gives an example of a failure to perform a CT or MRI Scan in Stroke where the failure to properly identify the condition led to delays in treatment and worsened the Patient's outcome.
An example of a case where there was a failure to perform a CT or MRI scan, resulting in delayed diagnosis and treatment:
Case Example: Failure to Perform a CT or MRI Scan in a Suspected Stroke
A Patient with a history of atrial fibrillation (a known risk factor for stroke) and hypertension, suddenly develops weakness in the right arm and difficulty speaking while at home. The Patients family rushes the Patient to the A&E within an hour of symptom onset.
A&E Visit:
a) The Patient arrives at the A&E with slurred speech and mild right sided weakness. The Patients family reports that symptoms started about 45 minutes earlier.
b) Initial assessment: The Patient’s vital signs show elevated blood pressure (160/90 mm Hg), but the Patient is alert and responsive. The A&E physician performs a brief neurological exam, which shows some speech impairment and right sided weakness.
c) Medical history: The family mentions the Patient has atrial fibrillation and hypertension, which increases the stroke risk.
A&E Physician's Approach:
a) Despite the Patient's high risk for stroke and the clear onset of neurological symptoms, the A&E physician suspects a transient ischemic attack (TIA), believing that the symptoms are mild and may resolve on their own.
b) The physician administers intravenous fluids and orders lab work but does not order a CT or MRI scan to confirm the presence of an ischemic stroke. No urgent neurological consult is requested.
Missed Diagnostic Opportunity:
a) Over the next few hours, the Patient’s speech and right sided weakness worsen. The A&E is busy, and the physician continues to monitor the Patient but does not prioritise advanced imaging or stroke intervention.
b) The symptoms persist and worsen, prompting a reconsideration of the diagnosis. It is not until six hours after the Patient’s arrival that a CT scan is finally ordered, revealing an ischemic stroke affecting the left hemisphere of the brain.
Outcome:
a) By the time the Stroke is confirmed, the Patient is well beyond the 4.5-hour window for administering thrombolytic therapy (tPA). The Stroke leads to permanent right-sided paralysis (hemiplegia) and significant speech impairment (aphasia).
b) The delay in performing imaging and initiating treatment has severe consequences for the Patients long term recovery.
Important Points of the Case:
- Failure to Perform Timely Imaging.
- Misjudgement of Symptoms.
- Missed Treatment Opportunity.
For more detailed insights into how Stroke Medical Negligence and Patient Safety impacts you and how Whelan Law can support you, please visit our Patient Safety Rights Legal Advice https://www.whelanlaw.ie/news/stroke-medical-negligence-claims-what-you-need-to-know/