Misdiagnosed Subdural Hematoma: Patient Injury and Medical Negligence

When the brain is injured, tiny veins between the brain and its covering (dura) may tear, causing blood to collect on the brain's surface. This collection of blood is known as a subdural hematoma. A subdural hematoma may result from either a minor or serious head injury. When the injury is more severe, the condition is considered acute and can become deadly. In the case of a minor injury, the condition may go unnoticed for days or weeks becoming "chronic." Some hematomas can occur spontaneously with no underlying cause. In any of these cases, however, delayed treatment of a subdural hematoma can lead to serious or even fatal consequences. Therefore, a proper diagnosis is imperative.

Proper Diagnosis Procedure

Symptoms of a subdural hematoma include the following:

• Headache
• Lethargy or confusion
• Slurred or confused speech
• Difficulty with either balance or walking
• Nausea and vomiting
• Numbness
• Loss of consciousness
• Seizures
• Visual problems
• General weakness

In an infant, the symptoms differ a bit and may include:

• A bulge in the "soft spot" of the baby's skull and/or an increased head circumference
• Separated sutures (areas where the skull bones join)
• Feeding difficulties
• Irritability
• Increased lethargy or sleepiness
• High-pitched crying
• Focal seizures
• Persistent vomiting

When a patient describes these collective symptoms to a physician, the physician should notice that there may be some injury to the brain. The doctor or health care provider should immediately order a complete neurological examination of the patient. This is especially so when the patient is elderly or is an infant, as these two groups are the most vulnerable to subdural hematomas.

Brain imaging such as a CT scan or an MRI can detect the presence of a hematoma. In extreme cases where the blood is putting pressure on the brain, surgery may be required to place holes in the skull that will alleviate the pressure. If the hematoma or blood clot is extremely large, a surgeon may have to perform a craniotomy, whereby a large opening in the skull is cut so that the hematoma can be removed.

Certain medicines may be used to treat a subdural hematoma. The type of medicine prescribed depends on the type of hematoma as well as the severity of the symptoms and the overall damage to the brain. These medications may include diuretics and corticosteroids to reduce the swelling, and anti-convulsants to prevent seizures.

Misdiagnosis of a Subdural Hematoma

Improper diagnosis of a subdural hematoma may delay or prevent emergency treatment needed to save the patient. The quicker the patient is treated, the better the chances of recovery. Unfortunately, misdiagnosis does occur. For example, a hematoma may be diagnosed as another condition such as a brain tumor, leading to wrong treatments and medications being prescribed. Other diseases that may be listed as an alternative diagnosis include:

• Lupus
• Alzheimer's Disease
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Extradural Hematoma (bleeding in the dura)

A negligent doctor may not pay attention to the patient when he or she is reciting symptoms and may miss the diagnosis altogether. If a subdural hematoma is not correctly diagnosed or identified in a timely fashion, the patient may suffer further brain injury, strokes, dementia and even death.

Patient Damages and Legal Liability

A misdiagnosis of a subdural hematoma is medical negligence, which gives rise to malpractice liability. Patients who are not treated properly for subdural hematomas can face devastating consequences that include permanent brain damage, strokes and death. The negligent doctor as well as the hospital (under the theory of vicarious liability) is liable for the costs arising from the injury, including medical and rehabilitative expenses and lost wages. In most cases, a patient may also recover for non-economic damages that include pain and suffering as well as loss of companionship or consortium (marital relations). Survivors of deceased patients may also sue for wrongful death, which will include funeral costs.

Getting Legal Help

If you or a family member has suffered damages resulting from the improper diagnosis of a subdural hematoma, you are allowed to pursue compensation through a civil action. Find legal representation to protect your rights and pursue your remedies.