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About 800,000 people in the U.S. have a stroke every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Sadly, strokes are the fifth leading cause of death, and one of the main causes of disabilities in adults. In fact, one type of disabling effect of a stroke is brain damage.
Because oxygen and the blood supply to the brain are interrupted during a stroke, brain cells can die off and a person can suffer a stroke-induced brain injury. This is why it is critical to know the signs of a stroke and to seek medical attention immediately in order to prevent death, brain damage, and other disabilities. For this reason, we want to review the signs and symptoms of a stroke.
Symptoms of a Stroke
The following are common symptoms of stroke:
- Painful headache that comes on suddenly
- Weakness or numbness in the face or on one side of the body
- Sudden difficulty seeing out of one or both eyes
- Sudden inability or difficulty walking, standing, or balancing
- Speech problems or trouble understanding speech for no apparent reason
- Sudden confusion
Although many people are aware of the aforementioned stroke symptoms, some people are not. In fact, they might call their doctors or speak to a nurse about their symptoms only to receive poor information. Or they may show up at the emergency room, only to be quickly checked over and sent home.
When Stroke Symptoms Are Overlooked by Medical Professionals
It is important to call 9-1-1 if you or anyone you know is experiencing symptoms of a stroke. Generally, first responders and the medical staff in the ER will provide effective treatment; however, sometimes stroke symptoms are missed and patients who desperately need to be treated for a stroke are sent home without the treatment they need. Consequently, they can suffer from a stroke-induced brain injury.
Sadly, someone who suffers a stroke-induced brain injury may not recover. Depending on the part of the brain injured, a person may have trouble thinking, communicating, swallowing, walking, moving, and problems with motor control including paralysis. Sadly, many people who suffer the effects of a stroke have memory loss and other mental impairments due to the brain damage that occurred.
If a stroke-induced brain injury resulted in permanent damage due to a doctor’s negligence, you may have a medical malpractice lawsuit. We would be glad to talk with you in a free consultation and answer any questions you may have. Please call us today at (703) 721-4233
