Claiming For Subarachnoid Haemorrhages
Although the outlook for subarachnoid haemorrhages has dramatically improved over the past decade, it remains a serious and potentially fatal condition. However, a patient's chance of recovery will be greatly increased if medical professionals diagnose and treat the haemorrhage without delay. If there is a setback – and this can be attributed to the actions (or inactions) of doctors – there could be grounds for a medical negligence claim.
Negligent medical management of subarachnoid haemorrhages
A subarachnoid haemorrhage usually occurs when a bulge in the blood vessel (called a brain or berry aneurysm) ruptures. Not everyone who suffers an aneurysm will experience a haemorrhage; however, for those who do, it is because the pressure has caused the blood vessel wall to burst, in turn allowing blood to leak onto the brain. This will damage the tissue, while the lack of oxygen will create further problems.
When a subarachnoid haemorrhage occurs, the individual will experience symptoms such as a sudden, severe headache, sickness, epileptic fits and loss of consciousness. It is vital anyone presenting such symptoms is taken to hospital immediately, where medical professionals should recognise the symptoms as being indicative of a subarachnoid haemorrhage.
Due to the serious nature of the condition treatment must be given without delay. Even if a firm diagnosis has not been obtained, treatment should still be given by way of precaution. This will involve being transferred either to a neurological unit or intensive care unit, where medication should be provided to prevent further blockage of the brain's blood supply. Surgery should then be performed within 24 hours of the patient's admission, whereby the ruptured aneurysm should be prevented from bursting again.
If medical professionals fail to take these actions, a patient's subarachnoid haemorrhage may well have been negligently managed. This is especially true if doctors fail to:
- Recognise the typical symptoms of a subarachnoid haemorrhage
- Make a timely diagnosis;
- Appreciate the need for urgent treatment;
- Provide an inappropriate course of treatment.
Claiming compensation for subarachnoid haemorrhages
If you believe you or your loved one has suffered as a result of a negligently managed subarachnoid haemorrhage, you could be entitled to claim compensation. To find out for certain, you need to contact a medical negligence solicitor to discuss the details of your treatment. After an initial consultation, a solicitor who specialises in this area of the law will use this information to suggest whether or not you have been the victim of a substandard level of medical treatment. If so, you will be able to begin a claim for the pain, suffering and financial loss your medical negligence has caused.
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Early legal assistance can be vital so please contact us if you would like to discuss your situation. Please call us free on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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