Subarachnoid Haemorrhages And Medical Negligence
If you or a loved one has suffered a subarachnoid haemorrhage which you believe was negligently managed by medical professionals, you need to speak to a solicitor about making a claim.
Subarachnoid haemorrhages
A subarachnoid haemorrhage occurs when a blood vessel in the brain bursts. Typically this will happen as the result of an aneurysm rupturing. However, it can also be caused by the abnormal development of blood vessels (called arteriovenous malformations) or from severe head injury.
Whatever the underlying cause, a subarachnoid haemorrhage must be treated as a medical emergency. This is because blood will leak onto the surface of the brain, quickly resulting in tissue damage. The decrease in blood supply will also deprive the brain of oxygen, leading to a loss of brain function.
The consequences of a subarachnoid haemorrhage are therefore extremely serious in nature. Often the prognosis is poor, as the rupture of a blood vessel in the brain can cause instant damage that is either irreparable or fatal. Nevertheless, this is not always the case, and the prognosis for recovery will be good if a patient manages to survive the initial bleeding. If so, it will be down to medical professionals to make a swift diagnosis.
How to diagnose and treat a subarachnoid haemorrhage
Subarachnoid haemorrhages have very distinct symptoms. These include a severe headache, a stiff neck, vomiting, slurred speech and collapse. If a patient presents with these symptoms, it is vital they are sent for further testing to verify whether there is a ruptured blood vessel in the brain. These tests can include a CT scan, a lumbar puncture and an MRI scan. If a subarachnoid haemorrhage is diagnosed, treatment must be quickly arranged. This may take the form of medication, neurosurgical clipping or endovascular coiling.
Negligent treatment of a subarachnoid haemorrhage
However, there are unfortunately times when medical professionals overlook the symptoms of a subarachnoid haemorrhage, thereby delaying a diagnosis. If this delay causes brain damage or even a death that could have been avoided with prompt treatment, there will be a case of medical negligence. This is because the level of care provided will have fallen to an unacceptable level. Anyone who is injured as a result of substandard medical care is entitled to pursue a claim. Alternatively, a family member may pursue a claim on their behalf.
To discover whether you are able to make a subarachnoid haemorrhage claim, you need to contact a legal expert today. A solicitor who specialises in medical negligence will be able to suggest what action you should take next. If this involves making a claim, you could be awarded compensation for the pain and suffering you have endured.
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Can We Help You With A Medical Negligence Enquiry?
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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