A
stroke occurs when the blood flow to the brain is somehow cut off and brain cells
deprived of the important oxygen and glucose they need to survive are
killed. Many of those that suffer from strokes have some kind of brain
damage, with some being so serious that death occurs. Each and every year,
around 800,000 Americans find themselves with stroke symptoms and are
rushed to visit their doctors and hospitals as a result. It is important
that anyone that is wondering if they have been a victim of a stroke gets
the medical attention they need and can leave with a clean bill of health.
If you are wondering if you suffered a stroke and if your health care
provider gave you the attention you needed, read on and feel free to
contact a
Portland medical malpractice lawyer at The Law Offices of Patrick L. Block, P.C. to discuss what legal options
you may have.
Did I suffer a stroke?
There are two different types of stroke that someone can experience: an
ischemic stroke (blood vessel to the brain becomes blocked) or a hemorrhagic
stroke (blood vessel ruptures and bleeds into the brain). While there
are some things that can be done to prevent a stroke from happening to
begin with, acting quickly can help reduce the amount of brain damage
that you or a loved one may suffer as a result.
Signs of a stroke can include:
- Numbness or weakness in the face, arm, and leg
- Confusion, and trouble speaking and understanding speech
- Trouble seeing
- Dizziness, balance loss, and lack of coordination
- Severe headache
If any of these symptoms occur, remembering to act FAST can help. In this
case, FAST refers to the steps that can be taken to help ensure that accurate
medical attention is sought.
Following a stroke:
-
F - Facial drooping. Ask the victim to smile and notice if one side of the
face is drooping
-
A - Arm weakness. Ask the victim to
raise their arms to see if one is unable to raise up
-
S - Speech difficulties. Ask the victim to repeat a simple sentence to
check their speech patterns
- T - Time. Call 911 immediately if any of these symptoms appear, even if
they go away
Getting medical attention quickly can help. Unfortunately, there are numerous
instances where a doctor’s
failure to recognize the warning signs of a stroke or to provide adequate care during this
time had resulted in serious injury or
wrongful death in those suffering from a stroke.
Wondering if symptoms of a stoke were ignored? Did you not receive the
level of care you expected to after visiting the hospital after a stroke?
You may be entitled to recover damages to aid in your recovery following
this life-changing occurrence.
Our Portland attorney offers
free case consultations to speak with you about the next step you can take- call now!