BRAIN HAEMORRAGE
SUBARACHNOID HAEMORRHAGE
A subarachnoid haemorrhage is a very serious and potentially fatal condition. It occurs when an artery somewhere in the blood vessel network underneath the protective layer of the brain surface ruptures. High blood pressure, physical exertion, a head injury or high levels of stress may cause this. When the rupture occurs blood leaks into the space between the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. A condition of this nature requires urgent treatment and close to 10,000 people each year will suffer with this condition.
There are a number of symptoms associated with a subarachnoid haemorrhage. These could be a sudden severe headache, neck and/or back pain, vomiting, sensitivity to light and seizures with possible loss of consciousness. The medical team who treat the individual following admission with such symptoms must quickly identify the injury and diagnose the haemorrhage. This will involve identifying the risk and moving swiftly to make the appropriate investigations. To diagnose this injury a CT scan, a lumbar puncture, cerebral angiography and/or an MRI scan may be required. In addition to subarachnoid haemorrhage there are also other types of similar injuries. The subdural haemorrhage takes longer to occur. Another type is the extradural haemorrhage, which usually occurs after a head injury through such traumas as a road traffic accident or through a contact sport.
How can the medical profession get it wrong?
It is sometimes the case that the medical profession get it wrong. They may fail to diagnose a haemorrhage either at the accident and emergency stage or after investigation from a neurosurgeon or neurologist. If this condition remains undiagnosed it will almost certainly be fatal. If it is delayed then this is extremely dangerous and may have an effect on the chances of survival of the patient. If a medical expert fails to provide the correct diagnosis by provided a sub standard level of care then a claim for compensation should be made.
Another area for possible negligence is the actual surgical procedure to treat the haemorrhage. On occasions surgical errors during an operation to treat the brain aneurysm are performed negligently. Such errors may occur by the surgeon, the anaesthetist or the nursing team. Examples include using incorrect procedure, incorrect positioning of the patient on the operating table, incorrect use of anaesthetic and failure to monitor the patient pre and post operation.
I think I have a claim. Where do I go from here?
This can be an extremely complex area and it is essential that you speak to a specialist solicitor as soon as possible. Ashton Lake Solicitors are specialists in bringing medical negligence claims. As specialists we are skilled in identifying from the medical records and from witness evidence what procedures were followed throughout the admission to the hospital through to the pre and postoperative period and beyond. We will detect and prove negligent action on the part of the medical professional where they have provided a sub standard level of care. Our aim is to get to the truth of why the negligent action occurred and to obtain the maximum compensation possible. We pride ourselves in high levels of client care and will always progress your claim with compassion and sensitivity at every stage of the process.
If you wish to make an enquiry then please complete the online enquiry form or call 01509 262621 to speak to a specialist medical negligence solicitor who will be available to discuss your case further. We offer a wide choice of funding arrangements including no win no fee.
