Stroke Misdiagnosis is Greater Among Women, Minorities, and Younger Patients

Did you know some patients are at greater risk of a stroke misdiagnosis? Any misdiagnosis can have dire consequences.

According to a 2014 study from John Hopkins, ER doctors commonly miss more strokes among women, minorities, and younger patients. By analyzing federal health care data, a team of researchers from Johns Hopkins concluded that physicians overlook the early signs of potentially disabling strokes in tens of thousands of American patients each year. Read on to learn more about stroke misdiagnosis, and call the medical malpractice lawyers at Cardaro & Peek for assistance with your medical malpractice claim. 

Maryland medical professionals are trained to recognize and identify the symptoms of a stroke. Medical malpractice occurs when a medical professional deviates from the standard of care that another physician would have met in the same circumstance. Examples of stroke-related malpractice include failure to prevent, failure to treat, and misdiagnosing a stroke. 

The findings from the John Hopkins medical review reported that women, minorities, and people under the age of 45 were far more likely to be misdiagnosed in the week before sustaining a stroke. According to the study, younger people were almost seven times more likely to be misdiagnosed and sent home without treatment. Women were 33% more likely to be misdiagnosed, while minorities were 20-30% more likely to be misdiagnosed. The study suggests that gender and racial disparities may play a role in stroke misdiagnosis. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), stroke kills about 140,000 Americans each year. Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death for Americans, but the risk varies according to the race and ethnicity of the patient. Stroke increases with age, but men and women of any age are at risk of having a stroke. 

For some patients, misdiagnosing a stroke can be the difference between life and death. Early action is essential for successfully treating a stroke. According to the CDC, the chances of survival are higher when emergency treatment begins promptly. 

Do you believe that you or your loved one has suffered as a result of medical malpractice or medical neglect? You need to talk to an experienced team of local lawyers today.

The lawyers at Cardaro & Peek, LLC have the experience and resources necessary to investigate and litigate all types of medical claims throughout Maryland and Washington D.C. Cardaro & Peek, LLC has medical personnel on staff and has access to nationally recognized, board-certified physicians and other experts, to assist in the investigation, analysis, and prosecution of all types of medical malpractice claims. If you or a loved one have experienced malpractice, give us a call at 410-752-6166. Please visit our website www.cardarolaw.com and follow us on Facebook , Twitter , and LinkedIn for more information.

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