| Gorovitz & Borten, P.C. Attorneys at Law 400-1 Totten Pond Road Waltham, Massachusetts 02451 Tel: (781) 890-9095 |
| Failure to Treat Stroke |
A stroke (hemorrhagic or ischemic) typically manifest itself by the sudden
onset of focal neurologic deficits. Ischemic strokes can be due to thrombosis,
embolism or hypoperfusion; hemorrhagic strokes can be intraparenchymal or
subarachnoid. As with all other aspects of medical treatment, an accurate
diagnosis is essential prior to instituting appropriate treatment. Evaluation
includes laboratory as well as imaging studies. laboratory studies include:
Imaging studies for the evaluation of an acute stroke include:
The goal of acute stroke management is to minimize the damage and
increase the chances for recovery. Consultation with experienced
professionals familiar with the acute management of stroke is paramount.
Therapy should be initiated at once following diagnosis. Treatment such as
thrombolytic therapy should be administered within one hour following
presentation for care. Consultations should not be delayed for the
convenience of the medical provider. Experienced care for stroke victims
should be available within 15 minutes of the patient's arrival to the hospital.
The administration of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) has
revolutionized the acute management of stroke. Currently, tissue
plasminogen activator (tPA) is the only approved therapy for acute ischemic
stroke. It requires that a stroke be promptly diagnosed and treated as a time-
critical emergency. The report from the National Institute of Neurological
Disorders and Stroke (NINDS report) demonstrated substantial benefit from
the intravenous administration of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) to a
selected group of patients with acute ischemic strokes of less than 3 hours
duration from its onset.
Some patients with intracerebral hemorrhage or hemorrhagic transformation
following thrombolytic therapy may benefit from surgical intervention. If
neurosurgical consultation and care is not available on a timely basis,
transfer to an appropriate facility is indicated.
Management of a patient with an acute stroke is a team effort that includes all
medical providers. Time is of the essence. Excessive time in the emergency
room waiting room or delay in evaluation and treatment can result in a
catastrophic outcome.
If you are suffering from complications due to a delayed diagnosis of a
stroke, or the failure to evaluate and treat a stroke, let Dr. Borten and the
Boston area medical malpractice attorneys at Gorovitz & Borten review the
specifics of your case. At Gorovitz & Borten we have the necessary
experience, understanding and resources available to properly evaluate the
complications of a stroke, and give you a timely assessment of its merits.
onset of focal neurologic deficits. Ischemic strokes can be due to thrombosis,
embolism or hypoperfusion; hemorrhagic strokes can be intraparenchymal or
subarachnoid. As with all other aspects of medical treatment, an accurate
diagnosis is essential prior to instituting appropriate treatment. Evaluation
includes laboratory as well as imaging studies. laboratory studies include:
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Glucose and electrolytes
- Prothrombin time (PT)
- Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)
- Cardiac enzymes
- Arterial blood gases
- Additional studies tailored to each individual patient
Imaging studies for the evaluation of an acute stroke include:
- CT (computed tomography)
- CTA (computed tomography angiography)
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
- MRA (magnetic resonance angiography)
- Digital substraction angiography
- Carotid duplex scanning
- Transcranial Doppler ultrasonography
- Additional studies tailored to each individual patient
The goal of acute stroke management is to minimize the damage and
increase the chances for recovery. Consultation with experienced
professionals familiar with the acute management of stroke is paramount.
Therapy should be initiated at once following diagnosis. Treatment such as
thrombolytic therapy should be administered within one hour following
presentation for care. Consultations should not be delayed for the
convenience of the medical provider. Experienced care for stroke victims
should be available within 15 minutes of the patient's arrival to the hospital.
The administration of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) has
revolutionized the acute management of stroke. Currently, tissue
plasminogen activator (tPA) is the only approved therapy for acute ischemic
stroke. It requires that a stroke be promptly diagnosed and treated as a time-
critical emergency. The report from the National Institute of Neurological
Disorders and Stroke (NINDS report) demonstrated substantial benefit from
the intravenous administration of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) to a
selected group of patients with acute ischemic strokes of less than 3 hours
duration from its onset.
Some patients with intracerebral hemorrhage or hemorrhagic transformation
following thrombolytic therapy may benefit from surgical intervention. If
neurosurgical consultation and care is not available on a timely basis,
transfer to an appropriate facility is indicated.
Management of a patient with an acute stroke is a team effort that includes all
medical providers. Time is of the essence. Excessive time in the emergency
room waiting room or delay in evaluation and treatment can result in a
catastrophic outcome.
If you are suffering from complications due to a delayed diagnosis of a
stroke, or the failure to evaluate and treat a stroke, let Dr. Borten and the
Boston area medical malpractice attorneys at Gorovitz & Borten review the
specifics of your case. At Gorovitz & Borten we have the necessary
experience, understanding and resources available to properly evaluate the
complications of a stroke, and give you a timely assessment of its merits.
Contact Information
For a free confidential consultation and receive a response within 24 hours
(when possible), please contact us by phone, fax or e-mail with your question
or concern.
Telephone: 781-890-9095 - Fax: 781-890-9098
Directions
Electronic mail:
Questions or Inquiries to: inquiry@gbmedlaw.com
For a free confidential consultation and receive a response within 24 hours
(when possible), please contact us by phone, fax or e-mail with your question
or concern.
Telephone: 781-890-9095 - Fax: 781-890-9098
Directions
Electronic mail:
Questions or Inquiries to: inquiry@gbmedlaw.com
Website disclaimer: The materials on this website have been prepared by Gorovitz
& Borten, P.C. for informational purposes only and are not intended, and should not be
construed as legal advice. This information is not intended to create and receipt of it does
not constitute a lawyer-client relationship. Similarly, any submission or receipt of
information using electronic "Contact Us" form does not create a lawyer-client
relationship. Internet and online readers should not act upon any of the information
contained on this website without seeking professional counsel. (See Terms and
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