When you begin to notice certain symptoms and changes in your health, you may decide to go to the doctor for a screening. You trust that the doctor will do adequate testing based on a description of your symptoms and concerns. You assume that the diagnostic efforts made by your health care provider will reveal what health problems you have and what treatments are necessary for a return to health. Unfortunately, however, that does not always happen.
There are situations in which a patient does not actually receive an accurate diagnosis, and the results can be devastating. Missing a diagnosis or diagnosing a patient with the wrong medical issue can lead to a worsening of the condition, onset of new medical problems or even death. It is particularly important for those who have brain aneurysms to receive an accurate diagnosis and immediate treatment.
Effective diagnostic tools
There are a few ways by which doctors can accurately determine whether a patient with certain symptoms may have a brain aneurysm. While every patient is different, the following are common diagnostic tools available:
- Cerebrospinal fluid test – With this test, a doctor performs a lumbar puncture or spinal tap in order to test the spinal fluid. If there is blood in the fluid, there may be an aneurysm.
- Angiogram – This is a way to accurately image certain parts of the body so that the doctor can see a potential aneurysm. There are different types of angiograms that use different imaging methods.
- Computed tomography – This type of scan uses x-rays as a way to determine if there is an aneurysm, allowing a doctor to quickly see if there is bleeding on the brain.
The best treatment for someone with this type of medical condition depends on specific factors, such as the person’s state of health, location of the aneurysm, the shape of the aneurysm and whether it has ruptured.
Failure to properly diagnose
Failure to properly diagnose this type of medical condition can bring devastating consequences for the patient. If you are suffering because an Oregon doctor failed to properly diagnose an aneurysm or did not listen to your concerns, you may be the victim of medical malpractice. An assessment of your unique situation can help you understand the specific legal options that may be available to you.