Multiple Sclerosis Misdiagnosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition that affects the central nervous system (CNS). Symptoms of MS vary from individual to individual but commonly include vision problems, muscle stiffness, cognitive changes, tiredness, and numbness or weakness in the arms and legs. MS symptoms can come and go or worsen over time. Typically, when a person experiences symptoms that might indicate multiple sclerosis, they consult a doctor to get a diagnosis, and getting a timely diagnosis is vital for halting the progression and severity of MS. When a doctor fails to diagnose MS on time, it can have devastating consequences. A misdiagnosis can delay medical care, potentially worsening the patient’s condition. If a doctor failed to diagnose you with MS, resulting in harm, you may wonder about your legal options. Depending on the specifics of your case, it may be possible to seek justice and compensation through a medical malpractice claim.
Understanding Multiple Sclerosis
MS is a condition that affects the brain and spinal cord. According to statistics, almost one million people in the U.S. live with MS, and over two million people are affected by this condition worldwide. MS damages the material surrounding and protecting your nerve cells (the myelin sheath), leading to messages between the brain and the body being slowed down or blocked. This then causes the symptoms that people with MS exhibit.
According to research, multiple sclerosis affects women more than men, although anyone can develop MS. Usually, MS symptoms are mild, but some people develop severe symptoms and end up losing their ability to speak, write, or walk. Unfortunately, there is no cure for MS. However, the good news is that medicines can slow down the disease and help control symptoms.
How Do Doctors Diagnose MS?
The process of diagnosing multiple sclerosis begins with a patient going to the hospital after experiencing a health problem. A doctor then gathers necessary information, including medical and family history. There is no one specific test for MS. To test for MS, physicians use a patient’s medical history, MRI, physical examination, neurological exam, and other tests. An MS diagnosis should only be made after a thorough evaluation.
Multiple Sclerosis and Misdiagnosis
Multiple sclerosis is one of the most misdiagnosed conditions. Unfortunately, when a doctor fails to diagnose MS, it can delay treatment, resulting in more harm. Depending on the specifics of the case, a doctor who misdiagnoses MS may be guilty of medical malpractice. The patient or their family may have a compensation claim. To have a medical malpractice claim, the patient or their family must prove:
- A doctor-patient relationship existed, meaning the doctor owed the patient a duty of care
- The doctor deviated from the accepted standard of care
- The deviation caused the misdiagnosis
- The patient suffered injury or harm due to the deviation
An example of a doctor deviating from the accepted standard of care could include misinterpreting MRI tests or failing to order proper tests to rule out other medical conditions.
Contact an Atlanta Diagnosis Error Attorney
If your MS was misdiagnosed and you suffered unnecessary harm, contact our skilled Atlanta diagnosis error attorney at Carroll Law Firm for legal help. We have extensive experience in misdiagnosis claims and can help you seek the justice and compensation you deserve.
Source:
nationalmssociety.org/understanding-ms#:~:text=Nearly%201%20million%20people%20in%20the%20United%20States%20live%20with%20MS%20and%202.8%20million%20worldwide.
