When a stroke strikes, every second counts. Rapid diagnosis and treatment are crucial to minimizing damage and improving outcomes. Yet, for some patients, a missed or delayed diagnosis can mean the difference between recovery and lifelong disability—or worse. At Bell Law Firm, we have seen firsthand the devastating consequences of stroke misdiagnosis in cases like those of Stefan Lane and Jonathan Buckelew. Their stories are powerful reminders of the importance of recognizing the signs of misdiagnosis and advocating for proper care.
What Is Stroke Misdiagnosis?
Stroke misdiagnosis occurs when a medical professional fails to recognize the symptoms of a stroke or attributes them to another condition. This can happen in a few different ways:
- Failure to diagnose: A patient is sent home without proper testing like a CT scan, MRI, or specialist tests like a carotid ultrasound or blood tests to detect clotting issues despite presenting with symptoms.
- Misdiagnosis as another condition: Symptoms are mistaken for a less serious issue, such as a migraine, inner ear infection, or anxiety.
- Delayed diagnosis: Proper testing is eventually performed, but only after critical time has passed. You typically have 3-4.5 hours from symptom onset to administer clot-busting medication and up to 24 hours for other advanced interventions like mechanical thrombectomy.
The effects of a misdiagnosed stroke can be catastrophic, leading to permanent neurological damage, loss of independence, or even death.
Real Stories of Stroke Misdiagnosis
Stefan Lane’s Case: A Life-Altering Delay
Stefan Lane was a healthy, active man when he began experiencing symptoms of a stroke, including severe headaches and difficulty speaking. Despite seeking medical attention promptly, his symptoms were dismissed as stress-related. By the time the stroke was correctly diagnosed, the opportunity for life-saving treatment had passed. Stefan’s condition worsened, leaving him with debilitating physical and cognitive impairments that could have been avoided with timely intervention. You can hear more about Stefan’s story on this Face the Jury podcast episode.
Jonathan Buckelew’s Case: Communication Breakdowns
Jonathan Buckelew sought care after losing the ability to speak and experiencing severe neurological alterations following a chiropractic adjustment that threw a blood clot into his brain. His stroke was missed by several healthcare providers, leading to permanent disability. Because he went almost 24 hours before his stroke was diagnosed, he now lives with “locked-in syndrome,” a condition that leaves him cognitively intact but unable to speak or move any part of his body other than his eyes. His story highlights how even seemingly minor symptoms should never be dismissed without thorough investigation. You can learn more about Jonathan and the record verdict achieved for him here.
The unfortunate truth is that the proper treatment could have prevented both Stefan’s and Jonathan’s outcomes. As patients, we rely on healthcare professionals to catch stroke early and treat it appropriately, but that’s not always the case. As patients, that’s why it’s critical that we’re all aware of the symptoms of stroke and how to avoid stroke misdiagnosis.
Stroke Symptoms & Avoiding Stroke Misdiagnosis
Recognizing the symptoms of a stroke is essential to ensuring timely treatment. The acronym BE FAST can help you remember the key warning signs:
- Balance: Sudden loss of balance or coordination
- Eyes: Blurred or double vision, or sudden loss of vision
- Face: Drooping on one side of the face
- Arms: Weakness or numbness in one arm
- Speech: Slurred or garbled speech
- Time: Act quickly; call 911 immediately
Other symptoms may include severe headache, confusion, dizziness, or nausea. If you or a loved one experiences these signs, insist on immediate medical evaluation, including imaging tests like a CT scan or MRI. Advocating for yourself or a loved one in a medical setting can make all the difference. If you suspect a potential stroke misdiagnosis, there are some steps you can follow:
- Ask for thorough testing: If stroke symptoms are present, request imaging studies to confirm or rule out a stroke.
- Document symptoms: Keep a detailed record of symptoms and their progression. This can help medical professionals make an accurate diagnosis.
- Seek a second opinion: If symptoms persist or worsen after being discharged, don’t hesitate to seek care from another provider.
- Trust your instincts: You know your body best. If something feels wrong, advocate for further evaluation.
Seeking Justice After a Stroke Misdiagnosis
If you or a loved one has suffered harm due to a stroke misdiagnosis, you may have grounds for a medical malpractice claim. At Bell Law Firm, we specialize in holding negligent healthcare providers accountable and securing fair and full compensation for victims. Cases like those of Stefan Lane and Jonathan Buckelew demonstrate the importance of seeking justice for the individuals involved and preventing similar tragedies from happening to others. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.