If you aren’t feeling well and schedule a visit with your primary care physician, he or she may determine that you have a particular condition that is causing your symptoms. If it’s a virus, your treatment plan might simply include rest and lots of fluids. If you have a bacterial infection, your doctor might prescribe antibiotics to help you get well. There are certain symptoms, however, that might compel a Texas physician to diagnose a more serious underlying condition, such as a stroke.
When a person is having a stroke, there are often distinct symptoms. Being able to recognize such symptoms and knowing where to seek support can often save a person’s life. On the other hand, if a doctor were to fail to diagnose recognizable symptoms of a stroke, the results might mean that you end up with permanent brain damage. In a worst-case scenario, a missed diagnosis for stroke might result in a fatality.
3 symptoms that often mean a person is having a stroke
There are two main types of strokes, one being ischemic and the other hemorrhagic. The latter occurs when there is a burst blood vessel, causing bleeding in the brain. The former is a blockage, usually caused by a blood clot. The following list shows some of the most common symptoms associated with either type of stroke:
- One-sided weakness or numbness in the face or body
- Sudden, excruciating headache with no obvious cause
- Sudden onset of incoherent speech
If someone you know is exhibiting signs of a stroke, it is helpful to instruct the person to raise both arms above the head. If he or she is unable to do so, it is possible that a stroke is occurring, and immediate medical attention is necessary.
Did a doctor fail to diagnose your stroke?
If you survived a stroke, the incident may have had lasting effects, such as sagging in one side of your face, difficulty forming speech or impaired mobility. Depending on the exact type and severity of the stroke you had, you may be able to achieve a full recovery or could have permanent impairments.
The average physician understands the acronym F.A.S.T. in association with stroke victims. It stands for FACE, ARMS, SPEECH and TIME. A failed diagnosis may result in loss of life or permanent injuries. If a physician examined you while you were experiencing symptoms and failed to diagnose a stroke, you may have grounds for seeking restitution in court.