Newly released research found that cases of atrial fibrillation (AF), a major cause of stroke, have increased by up to 72% in England over the last twenty years.
What is atrial fibrillation (AF)?
AF is when the heart rate is irregular or sometimes sped up to over 100 beats per minute. Some possible side effects are shortness of breath, dizziness, and tiredness.
People with AF are five times more likely to suffer from a stroke. The survival rate is lower, and often, the stroke is more debilitating for people with the condition.
Unfortunately, many people don’t experience any symptoms and AF is difficult to diagnose, according to the NHS. This is why it’s vital that strokes are recognised and treated as quickly as possible, because the chance of survival and rehabilitation are higher the sooner you seek medical attention.
Recognising a stroke: think FAST
A stroke cuts off the blood supply to a part of your brain, which damages or kills brain cells. It can happen to anyone at any age, but it is also survivable.
The acronym FAST can help with recognising the early signs of a stroke:
- Face – Ask the person if they can smile, and check if their eyes or mouth is drooping on one side.
- Arms – If someone is experiencing numbness or numbness in one or both arms, ask them if they can lift their arms above their head and hold them there.
- Speech – If the person’s speech is slurred or garbled, or if they don’t seem to understand you, it may be a sign of a stroke.
- Time – If any of those three symptoms are occurring, time is of the essence. Call 999 immediately and report a suspected stroke.
Other symptoms of a stroke include:
- A sudden headache
- Sudden blurred vision or loss of sight
- Sudden weakness on one side of the body
- Dizziness or a sudden fall
- Memory loss, confusion, or difficulty speaking or finding words
Stroke misdiagnosis
100,000 people in the UK have a stroke each year on average, and they occur every five minutes, according to The Stroke Association. Medical professionals are trained to recognise the symptoms of stroke and to diagnose it quickly, but unfortunately many strokes are missed because the symptoms and signs of a stroke can be ambiguous.
Sadly, misdiagnosis of stroke is one of the most common claims we encounter at Scott Rees & Co personal injury solicitors. Too often, patients who have visited A&E or seen their GP with symptoms of a stroke are sent home without a diagnosis.
What can I claim for if a stroke was misdiagnosed?
If you or a family member have experienced medical negligence when a stroke was missed or misdiagnosed, you may be able to take legal action. A claim could help with household income, equipment or other ways to help make your life get back to normal as much as possible.
If you would like to discuss a possible medical misdiagnosis claim in relation to a stroke or other negligent care, feel free to contact our sympathetic and professional personal injury solicitors who can advise on your options and assess your case.