Brain Aneurysm Misdiagnosis: Signs and Symptoms Often Overlooked

By Thomas Greer | January 24, 2015

Emergency departments exist for one primary reason: to protect those who are seriously ill and who are at risk of dying. When you visit the emergency room in Tennessee, you have the right to expect that the doctor will recognize common signs and symptoms and treat you appropriately. Unfortunately people are misdiagnosed every day.

Common Signs and Symptoms of a Brain Aneurysm

A brain aneurysm is a bulging, weak area of an artery that supplies blood to a person’s brain. If misdiagnosed or if left untreated, it is one of the most dangerous, life threatening medical conditions a person can have. When the aneurysm ruptures, or bursts, it is called a subarachnoid hemorrhage and can leave a person brain damaged or dead.

There are several red flag warning signs and symptoms associated with a brain aneurysm:

  • Worst of life headache
  • Thunderclap headache, meaning sudden and severe onset
  • Vomiting and nausea
  • Neck pain
  • Vision problems
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Seizures
  • Speech problems
  • Facial drooping

Diagnosing a Brain Aneurysm

The most effective way to diagnose a brain aneurysm is to run a series of diagnostic tests. Without running these tests, a doctor cannot be certain that a person does not have a bleed.

  • CT Scan of the Brain – A CT scan shows the doctor a picture of the patient’s brain. It will typically reveal and aneurysm or hemorrhage.
  • Lumbar Puncture – If the aneurysm is small or just beginning, a CT may not always pick it up. If a doctor suspects an aneurysm but the CT is negative, the protocol is for the doctor to order a lumbar puncture. A lumbar puncture is performed by inserting a needle in the spinal canal and a sample of the cerebrospinal fluid is obtained. Blood in the spinal fluid indicates a bleed in the brain.

If you would like to consult with one of our Tennessee brain aneurysm medical malpractice attorneys, please call us at 901-680-9777. We have successfully handled these types of cases in the past.

Posted in Library, Medical Malpractice