Improper dosing of anticoagulation can result in stroke, pulmonary embolism, bleeding, or death. Despite the great risk, a recent study published by the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) shows that underdosing and overdosing of newer blood thinner medications is rampant. The study focused on the use of novel direct acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs), such [...]
I have previously written about misdiagnosis of stroke on this blog. When stroke is not timely diagnosed, the patient misses out on time-sensitive treatments that can preserve brain tissue, such as tPA (a “clot buster” medication) or thromboembolectomy (where a blood clot is removed through a surgical procedure). However, in many circumstances, blood clots that [...]
Misdiagnosis of stroke in younger adults is likely to be a growing problem as the rate of ischemic stroke in this population continues to increase. A study published this month in the Journal of the American Heart Association showed that, while overall stroke rates have declined, strokes among individuals aged 25-44 increased by 44% during [...]
Strokes (also known as brain attacks, ischemic attacks, cerebral vascular accidents or CVAs) are a major source of death and disability in the U.S. The American Stroke Association and the American Heart Association have taken great strides to educate Americans about the signs of an ischemic attack, so that patients can promptly avail themselves of time-sensitive [...]
Stroke is a leading cause of injury and death in the United States. In past blogs, I have focused on preventative strategies for avoiding blood clots to the brain through identification and treatment of atrial fibrillation ("a fib") and use of anticoagulation medications, such as coumadin and warfarin. I have also written about the use [...]
Stroke (also called "cerebral vascular accident" or CVA) is often viewed as a disease of older adults. However, I just watched a panel discussion by three prominent stroke experts that points to a trend towards CVAs occurring in younger patients, particularly aged 35-65. More importantly, for purposes of assessing medical malpractice claims, many of these CVAs are [...]
The incidence of stroke (also known as cerebrovascular accident or CVA) increases in pregnancy. In light of this known risk factor, the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association issued their first stroke-prevention guidelines that focus only on women's unique risks. These guidelines were published this month in Stroke, the journal of the American Heart Association. Among [...]
Medical malpractice claims due to stroke arise out of two key mistakes: failure to take proper measures to reduce the risk of stroke and failure to promptly treat once a stroke occurs. Failure to assess for risk of stroke in certain patients, and order preventative treatment, may constitute medical negligence. Likewise, a physician's failure to promptly undertake [...]
Stroke in children follows patterns similar to adults and is much more common than previously suspected, according to two recent studies. Though we tend to associate stroke with older adults, it is not uncommon in children. In fact, it occurs in about 12 of every 100,000 children, and is one of the leading causes of childhood [...]
Stroke is a devastating condition, but no more so than when it strikes a young person. We think of the disease as being a condition that affects the elderly and infirm. But, cases arise involving young adults. Some conditions that lead to stroke, or cardiovascular accident (CVA), in younger patients include atrial fibrillation and carotid artery dissections. A recent [...]