As a clinical negligence solicitor in the UK, I see the devastating consequences of missed diagnoses leading to strokes. One area where the impact can be life-altering is in the missed or delayed diagnosis of a Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA).
A stroke is a medical emergency, and rapid treatment is crucial to minimise damage to the brain. When these red flags are missed by healthcare professionals, the results can be catastrophic for patients and their families.
What is a TIA?
Often called a “mini-stroke,” a TIA occurs when the blood flow to part of the brain is temporarily interrupted. The symptoms are identical to those of a full stroke (such as the facial weakness, arm weakness, and speech problems associated with the FAST test), but they typically last for only a few minutes or hours and resolve completely.
This quick resolution often leads people to dismiss it as “nothing serious.” However, a TIA is a critical warning sign that a full, debilitating stroke is imminent. In fact, more than one in twenty people who have a TIA will have a stroke within the next few days or weeks.
The Consequences of a Missed Diagnosis
When a patient presents to A&E, their GP, or other healthcare settings with TIA symptoms, healthcare providers have a duty to investigate thoroughly. Guidelines from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommend urgent assessment and investigation for suspected TIA to determine the stroke risk and begin preventative treatment immediately.
A failure to diagnose a TIA promptly can have severe repercussions:
- Preventable Strokes: The most tragic consequence is a preventable stroke. With timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment (medication, lifestyle changes, sometimes surgery), the risk of a full stroke is significantly reduced.
- Irreversible Damage: Strokes cause permanent brain damage, leading to long-term disability, loss of independence, and in some cases, death.
- Emotional and Financial Strain: The physical toll is matched by emotional and financial hardship for the patient and their family, who may require extensive care and support for years to come.
The Role of Clinical (Medical) Negligence Law in the UK
If a Claimant can prove that a medical professional’s negligence directly led to a missed TIA diagnosis and subsequent stroke, they may have grounds for a clinical negligence claim. This is not about seeking revenge; it is about accountability and securing necessary support.
In such cases, we work to prove that the care provided fell below a reasonable standard and that, had proper procedures been followed, the stroke would likely have been avoided or less severe.
- Establishing Breach of Duty: Did the doctor fail to take a proper history? Did they misinterpret the symptoms or fail to refer for urgent scans (like a CT or MRI)?
- Proving Causation: A Claimant must be able to demonstrate that this specific failure caused the preventable harm. Causation is often the most difficult element of a claim to prove.
We will carry out all necessary investigations with a view to establishing whether the hospital was a) negligent and if so, b) that their negligence caused your injury/loss. We can help you claim compensation for pain and suffering, lost earnings, rehabilitation costs, and necessary future care and adaptations to your home.
Be Your Own Advocate
Awareness is key. If you or a loved one experience sudden neurological symptoms that disappear, do not ignore them. The message is clear: act FAST, even if symptoms resolve quickly.
If you believe a medical professional missed a vital opportunity to diagnose and prevent a stroke, seeking expert legal advice is a crucial next step. A specialist clinical negligence solicitor can help you understand your options and secure the justice and financial support needed to cope with the long-term impact of such an oversight.
Contact us today for a free assessment of your claim