The ER’s Top Misdiagnosed Conditions
A recent USA Today report shared that one in 18 patients visiting a hospital emergency room each year are misdiagnosed, resulting in potential harm or even death. The article shared results of a new report from the Department of Health and Human Services, which detailed the top misdiagnosed conditions in hospital emergency rooms.
Of the 130 million visits to the ER each year, 7.4 million patients receive an incorrect diagnosis, 2.6 million patients are harmed by misdiagnosis that could have been prevented, and 370,000 patients are left permanently disabled.
The top five conditions that are most often misdiagnosed in hospital ERs are:
- Stroke: A stroke occurs when a blood vessel is blocked by a clot, preventing oxygen and nutrients from getting to the brain. It is the number 5 cause of death and among the top causes of disability.
- Heart attack: Heart attacks happen when blood flow to the heart is blocked. Irreversible damage starts within 30 minutes.
- Aortic aneurysm or dissection: This is a balloon-like bulge in the aorta, the artery that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. It can cause a leak (dissection) or it could burst, causing death.
- Spinal cord compression or injury: Damage to any part of the spinal cord or nerves at the end of the spinal canal can be life changing. It can result in paralysis or permanent damage to strength, sensation, and bodily functions.
- Venous thromboembolism: These are blood clots that occur deep in the veins. It’s a preventable condition but if not caught, can result in disability or death.
In the last few years, almost every teaching hospital in the city of Philadelphia has paid 8-figure verdicts and settlements to clients of Tom Duffy.
If you have been harmed by misdiagnosis or other type of medical malpractice in a Philadelphia ER or hospital, please contact us today to discuss your legal options.