What severe health consequences can a delayed stroke diagnosis have on a patient's life?

Approximately 2 million brain cells die every minute during a stroke, so delays in diagnosis and treatment can significantly worsen outcomes, transforming what may have been a manageable condition into a catastrophic event.

In order to be effective, clot-busting drugs (tPA) must be administered within 3 to 4.5 hours of symptom onset. Strokes that are not treated promptly may develop widespread brain tissue death, resulting in massive brain injury that will require lifelong care.

When brain tissue dies during a stroke, it cannot be repaired or regenerated. There is a possibility that areas of the brain that control movement, speech, memory, and other vital functions could be permanently damaged. The irreversible damage often leads to disabilities that can be prevented or significantly reduced with prompt medical intervention.

Physical disabilities that can result from a delayed stroke diagnosis

Strokes affecting areas such as the cerebellum, even those that seem less severe, can cause long-term coordination, vision, and speech deficits if they are not diagnosed in a timely manner. It is common for delayed diagnosis to result in permanent physical disabilities, such as:

• Paralysis, complete or partial
• Speech impairment or loss of speech
• Choking and swallowing difficulties
• Coordination and motor control problems
• Having difficulty performing daily activities on your own
• Issues related to balance and mobility that require assistive devices

Effects of delayed diagnosis on cognitive and emotional health

Delaying stroke diagnosis does not only cause physical harm — it can also severely affect brain function and emotional well-being. The cognitive and emotional repercussions of a delayed stroke diagnosis may include:

• Memory loss and difficulty concentrating
• Language disorders and executive dysfunction
• Emotional disturbances such as depression, mood swings, apathy, and personality changes
• Difficulty recognizing loved ones or remembering important events
• Ongoing need for family support and care to manage lasting effects

The most severe consequences of delayed stroke diagnosis

A delayed stroke diagnosis can result in catastrophic outcomes, including locked-in syndrome, severe paralysis requiring life support, or death. When patients suffer from locked-in syndrome, they remain conscious but are unable to move or speak, essentially trapped within their own bodies. Others may suffer severe brain damage that requires complete life support systems. There is a dramatic increase in mortality when stroke diagnosis and treatment are delayed.

Attorney Sean M. Cleary can help you get compensated for a delayed stroke diagnosis

Those who have endured life-altering consequences from a healthcare provider's delayed stroke diagnosis may be eligible for substantial compensation covering medical expenses, long-term care requirements, wage losses, and personal suffering. With the Law Offices of Sean M. Cleary, we engage qualified medical experts, examine institutional protocols, and vigorously pursue claims against healthcare professionals who breached their standards of care.

These delays can have a devastating impact on patients and their families. We thoroughly investigate each case for our clients to build the strongest possible medical malpractice case. Learn how we can assist you with your case by booking a free consultation.