A stroke, or “brain attack,” is a dangerous event that affects the arteries leading to and within the brain. According to the American Stroke Association, a stroke occurs when a blood vessel carrying oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood (and oxygen) it needs, so it starts to die. Strokes are the fourth leading cause of death in the United States.

There are three different types of strokes: ischemic, hemorrhagic, and TIA. An ischemic stroke occurs when a clot obstructs the flow of blood to the brain. When a blood vessel ruptures and prevents blood flow to the brain it is called a hemorrhagic stroke. A transient ischemic attack or TIA is referred to as a “mini stroke”, and is caused by a temporary clot. The most common type of stroke is an ischemic stroke, accounting for about 87 percent of all strokes.

Failure to Timely Diagnose and Treat an Ischemic Stroke Can Cause Additional Injuries

While it is the most common type of stroke, ischemic strokes can also be treated in some cases. If an ischemic stroke is diagnosed promptly, the FDA has approved the clot-busting drug tPA (tissue plasminogen activator), which must be administered within a three-hour window from the onset of symptoms in order to achieve its best results. If the drug is given promptly, it can significantly reduce the effects of an ischemic stroke and reduce the chances of permanent disability.

Immediate diagnosis of an ischemic stroke is critical in receiving proper treatment. If you suspect that you or a loved one have suffered a stroke, you should seek the advice of a qualified medical professional. A medical professional should administer diagnostic tests such as a CT or MRI scan immediately since failure to diagnose or treat a stroke can result in serious permanent injuries including vision or speech impairment, memory loss, permanent disability, paralysis, or death.

Medical Malpractice Attorneys in Philadelphia and New Jersey

The Philadelphia medical malpractice attorneys at Messa & Associates are experienced at handling medical malpractice cases resulting from failure to diagnose and treat an ischemic stroke. Our extremely skilled team of medical malpractice attorneys and medical experts are dedicated to ensuring you receive proper compensation for your personal injuries. If you or a loved one has suffered an ischemic stroke that caused additional personal injuries that may have been prevented if timely treated or any other type of negligent care was received by a medical provider, contact the medical malpractice attorneys of Messa & Associates for a free consultation. Call toll free at 1-877-MessaLaw, or submit a free online inquiry.