Strokes are serious health conditions with potentially debilitating effects. By recognizing the symptoms and responding in a timely manner, patients and medical professionals may effectively minimize the severity of a stroke. When emergency room physicians and staff members fail to adequately respond, the Maryland medical malpractice attorneys of Schochor, Staton, Goldberg, and Cardea, P.A. help patients assert their rights and secure compensation for their resulting injuries.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Stroke
Strokes affect the arteries within and leading to the brain. According to the American Heart Association, it is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States and the leading cause of disability. There are generally three types of strokes:
- Ischemic Stroke. Caused by a blood clot or plaque that obstructs blood flow to the brain
- Hemorrhagic Stroke. Caused by a blood vessel rupture obstructing blood flow to the brain
- Transient Ischemic Attacks. These are also called mini-strokes, caused by temporary obstructions
As blood stops reaching specific regions of the brain, the corresponding bodily functions can no longer perform properly. This can cause vision loss, paralysis, speech impediments and memory loss. When strokes occur, the patient generally demonstrates certain symptoms. Some of these include:
- Drooping of one side of the face
- Arm weakness or numbness
- Slurred or incoherent speech
- Severe headache
- Sudden loss of vision
- Dizziness and loss of balance
Emergency Room Responses to Stroke Symptoms
When patients present to Baltimore, DC and Maryland emergency rooms with symptoms of a stroke, the medical professionals have a duty to respond appropriately and provide adequate care. Timely treatment can greatly minimize the possibility of death and long-term disability. Some of the emergency treatments that may be employed include:
- Diagnostic tests. When patients show symptoms of stroke, medical staff members must first diagnose the stroke. This is often done through a CT scan or MRI, where imaging of the brain is taken. Other diagnostic measures include blood and EKG tests.
- Medical staff should closely monitor the patient for signs of increased neurologic dysfunction. This may include blood pressure monitoring and serial neurologic exams.
- Drug administration – The medical staff can administer powerful drugs, called clot-busters, in an attempt to dissolve the stroke-causing blood clot.
Our attorneys aggressively advocate for stroke victims
If you or a loved one was injured when a medical professional failed to properly treat stroke symptoms, secure 30 years of medical malpractice representation to help you seek the compensation your case deserves. With offices in Washington D.C. and Baltimore, the medical malpractice attorneys of Schochor, Staton, Goldberg, and Cardea, P.A. have earned numerous accolades for their legal service to the community. Put their award-winning experience to work in your case by contacting the office at 410-234-1000 today.