Multiple sclerosis (MS) is classified as an autoimmune disease—one’s immune system attacks the central nervous system. Basically, when a person has MS, it is difficult for the individual’s brain to transmit messages to the rest of his or her body.

The disease typically appears for the first time in young adults between the ages of 15 and 45. The effects of the disease can be mild, with victims suffering from weakness or numbness in limbs, to severe, leaving victims paralyzed and/or blind. Although there are theories on what causes MS, there are currently no known causes or cures.

According to current statistics, there are more than 400,000 people in the U.S. who suffer with MS. Worldwide, that number is 2.5 million people. Each week, at least 200 people are diagnosed with the disease, just in the United States.

However, a recent study concluded that more than 80 percent of MS victims are initially diagnosed incorrectly. And for 40 percent of misdiagnosed victims, it typically takes more than a year before they are finally diagnosed correctly.

The study was conducted by the Multiple Sclerosis Society. The organization surveyed 1,515 sufferers of MS. Forty-three percent of those questioned initially presented with altered sensations and numbness in different parts of their bodies, 47 percent presented with vision difficulties, and 41 percent had difficulty walking.

Almost 30 percent of those incorrectly diagnosed are told they are only suffering from a pinched nerve. Another 15 percent are told they are suffering from anxiety, depression or stress. Ten percent are told their symptoms are a result of a stroke.

Twenty-five percent of patients made an average of four visits to their primary care physician complaining of symptoms before they were finally referred to a neurologist in order to investigate these symptoms further.

Typical early symptoms include fatigue, lack of co-ordination, limb weakness, loss of sight, numbness and tingling. Early diagnosis can be crucial in order to implement medical treatment and other lifestyle changes which can help hold off the sometimes devastating effect the disease can have on its victims.

If you were given a delayed diagnosis of MS, or other chronic disease, please contact an experienced Westport medical malpractice attorney to find out what legal recourse you may have for your pain and loss.

Sources:

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/37556.php

http://www.nationalmssociety.org/What-is-MS

http://www.healthline.com/health/multiple-sclerosis/facts-statistics-infographic

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-3097499/One-four-MS-patients-misdiagnosed-trapped-nerve-told-ve-stroke-charity-warns.html

For most people who are facing surgery, we put our trust in the surgeon that will be performing the operation. We trust that he or she, as well as the rest of the medical staff, will put all of their focus on us—the patient—as we lay unconscious on the operating table, and do what it is they are supposed to do. We expect our surgeon to be present during the procedure. We do not expect that at the same time they are supposed to be operating on us, they are also operating on another patient in another operating room. Another patient who most likely has the same expectations we do. Yet, that is exactly what is happening in some of the most renowned medical centers in the country.

According to a recent Boston Globe Spotlight investigation, there are sometimes concurrent surgeries taking place at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH). This means that while a surgeon has a patient booked in one operating room, he or she has an overlapping procedure booked, with another patient in another operating room, at the same time.

The hospital claims that when this happens, the surgeon is present during the “most important aspects” of the surgery and the patient is never at risk. Hospital administrators say that this is sometimes necessary in order to allow more patients access to surgeons who are in high demand. They also say that it gives in-training surgeons “hands-on” experience.

There is much debate on whether or not the hospital claims are valid, and there have been malpractice suits filed by patients who say they were injured because of overlapping surgeries. However, what may be even more disturbing is that the hospitals are not required to inform a patient that while his or her surgeon is supposed to operating on them, their surgeon may actually be in the room next door operating on another patient.

For example, at MGH, the only notification a patient is required to receive is contained in the consent form he or she signs, which states, “other medical professionals may perform some aspects” of the operation or procedure they are undergoing. Patient advocates say that the warning is not nearly enough and patients have a right to be informed of the overlapping scheduling.

If you have suffered an injury or illness from a medical procedure, please contact an experienced Westport medical malpractice attorney today to find out what legal recourse you may have against the physician and/or medical facility for your pain and loss.

Sources:

http://apps.bostonglobe.com/spotlight/clash-in-the-name-of-care/story/

https://www.bostonglobe.com/opinion/editorials/2015/10/27/patients-have-right-know-their-surgeon-double-booked/QVSmeEhy2TtCaVbNuLk6OI/story.html

When most people think of medical malpractice, they tend to imagine a surgical mistake or misdiagnosis. While these situations most certainly could qualify as physician negligence, it is important to note that medical malpractice covers a wide range of events. According to Connecticut Law, medical malpractice takes place when a health care professional fails to adhere to the standards within their profession, resulting in a harmful outcome for his or her patient.

You Are Entitled to Respect and Courtesy

Connecticut’s courtrooms are seeing more and more cases where physicians have behaved in a disrespectful way toward their patients. In one case, a doctor was overheard insulting his patient while she was under anesthesia. In another, a surgeon was reported for dancing mid-surgery. In a third case, a doctor cracked crude jokes at the expense of his patient while she was being treated.

These incidents often go unreported. However, when these transgressions are brought to light, they can result in compensatory settlements and awards for patients—sometimes totaling in the millions.

The bottom line is that you are entitled to respect and courtesy at all times while under medical treatment. While offensive behavior may not cause a physical injury, it can have a long-term psychological impact.

If you feel that you have been degraded, insulted, or disrespected by your health care professional, or that your health problems were misdiagnosed, then you may have a valid claim for medical malpractice. It is important to note, however, that disrespectful behavior does not automatically constitute medical malpractice, but if this behavior led to a misdiagnosis or treatment mistake, then it may strengthen your case.

Contact a Medical Malpractice Attorney for Help

If you were the victim of medical malpractice, then one of your first calls should be to a Westport medical malpractice attorney. Richard H. Raphael, Attorney at Law, has more than 40 years of experience practicing law, and he gives each case the attention that it deserves. To schedule your consultation today, please call 203-226-6168.

Source:

http://www.jud.ct.gov/lawlib/law/malpractice.htm