The Importance of a Proper Medical Diagnosis
Proper medical treatment starts with a proper medical diagnosis. If a doctor does not accurately diagnosis a medical treatment then it is impossible for the doctor to provide the required medical treatment. Accordingly, doctors are trained to look for certain medical conditions when specific symptoms are presented by patients. When those symptoms are missed and a condition goes undiagnosed, the potential consequences can be fatal.
Failure to Diagnose a Stroke
In order to prevent permanent disability and possibly death, a stroke needs to be diagnosed quickly and treated promptly. Doctors are taught to gather a patient’s medical history, conduct specific tests and look for symptoms of a stroke such as confusion, changes in vision, dizziness and speech difficulties.
However, some strokes are not appropriately diagnosed because the patient’s doctor fails to order the necessary tests, fails to accurately read those tests, fails to consider a patient’s medical history or fails to consider the possibility of a stroke in a young and seemingly healthy patient.
The consequences of a failure to diagnose a stroke can include permanent problems with speaking or reading, paralysis, memory loss, gross or fine motor problems and death.
Failure to Diagnose a Heart Attack
Heart attacks are very common in the United States and prompt treatment can allow a heart attack victim to go on to lead a long life. Doctors and, in fact, most lay people are aware of the traditional symptoms of a heart attack such as shortness of breath, chest pain and pain in the jaw and / or left arm.
However, not all patients present with these classic heart attack symptoms and the lack of symptoms does not make their condition any less severe. Women often experience nausea and light headedness rather than chest pain. Accordingly, doctors often first suspect gastrointestinal problems and delay tests to determine if a heart attack is occurring and if treatment for it is needed. Some men also experience different symptoms that can lead to a delay or denial of treatment.
When a heart attack is not promptly diagnosed and treated, the risk of dying from the condition rises dramatically. Therefore, it is important that doctors understand the different symptoms that may be associated with a heart attack and promptly provide treatment to those suffering from this common and life threatening condition.
Failure to Diagnose a Dissecting Aneurysm (Aortic Dissection)
A dissecting aneurysm, also known as an aortic dissection, occurs when there is a tear in the inner part of the aorta. The tear allows blood to flow between the inner and middle parts of the aorta which causes it to separate. If the aorta vessel ruptures then the patient usually dies. Therefore, it is important for the condition to be diagnosed and treated very quickly.
Chest pain and a difference in blood pressure on the right arm and the left arm can be symptoms of a dissecting aneurysm. However, a CT scan, chest x-ray or other specialized test is necessary to confirm the diagnosis.
A dissecting aneurysm requires immediate treatment. That treatment is usually surgery but may be medication in some instances. If the treatment is not provided then the patient will likely die.
It can be difficult to diagnosis certain medical conditions in certain patients. However, doctors are trained to look for the common, and uncommon, symptoms associated with various conditions and to order and interpret the necessary tests to confirm or rule out any potential diagnoses. Inaction can be fatal. Therefore, it is important for doctors to be confident in their diagnoses and for patients to understand the dire consequences of an inaccurate diagnosis.