Doctors, nurses, healthcare workers and other medical professionals are trusted by people to do everything they can to help those in need. That does not always happen, unfortunately. Many people suffer from medical malpractice, such as missed diagnosis and misdiagnosis.
A missed diagnosis and a misdiagnosis sound the same, but they happen differently. Here is what you should know:
No diagnosis of an injury or illness
Some medical professionals do not give their patients proper care and attention. A patient who is seeking help for an illness or injury may be ignored by a doctor, healthcare worker or nurse. This may happen because a medical professional may not believe a patient, underestimate the severity of their condition or believe they are only seeking medication for personal use. Many women are ignored because doctors believe they are imagining their symptoms.
As a result, a patient may not be given a proper examination. This is often called a missed diagnosis. Their injuries or illnesses may never be properly examined and cared for, which could cause symptoms to get worse.
Incorrect diagnosis of an injury or illness
Many medical illnesses and injuries can have similar symptoms, such as a migraine being caused by high blood pressure or a tumor. To get the right diagnosis of an injury or illness, medical professionals should ensure their patients undergo thorough examinations. These examinations are often necessary to ensure a patient is not incorrectly diagnosed with an injury or illness.
If a patient lacks thorough examinations and their medical condition is confused for the wrong thing, the patient may receive incorrect treatments, such as surgery and medication. This is often referred to as a misdiagnosis. If a patient continues to undergo the incorrect treatment, their medical condition may worsen and they may suffer from severe side-effects from the treatment.
If you believe you are a victim of medical malpractice, you can reach out for legal help to learn how to get justice for your injuries and medical conditions.