We have spent a lot of time talking about medical malpractice and how dangerous negligence in the medical field can be. Doctors and other healthcare professionals are the people we turn to when we fall ill or are experiencing any kind of discomfort or pain, but when they fail to properly diagnose the problem, the results could be devastating. While it is true that many Americans suffer from illnesses that are difficult to diagnose, it is absolutely imperative that the healthcare professionals we are trusting with our lives are using good judgment and taking the necessary measures to ensure they are making the right diagnosis.
Sure, doctors are people too and mistakes happen, but when a health condition is mistakenly diagnosed and it could have been avoided, that’s a problem. Medical malpractice is the third leading cause of death in the United States, which is shocking. If you or a loved one was diagnosed with a health condition that you later discovered was inaccurate, you may have a medical malpractice case on your hands. As leading Oklahoma medical malpractice attorneys, we believe in doing everything we can to ensure justice is served and you receive the compensation and damages you deserve.
Now, let’s take a look at a few of the most commonly misdiagnosed health conditions here in the United States:
- Celiac Disease – In recent years, celiac disease has become one of the most commonly – and mistakenly – diagnosed conditions. Gluten-free has become somewhat of a trend, which just goes to show how quickly doctors are to diagnose someone with celiac disease.
- Fibromyalgia – This chronic arthritis-like disorder is oftentimes characterized by widespread pain, anxiety, depression, fatigue, and increased sensitivity to pain. However, these symptoms could also be rheumatoid arthritis or chronic fatigue syndrome.
- Multiple Sclerosis – This is an autoimmune disease that attacks the central nervous system. Many people will experience muscle spasms, lack or coordination, balance problems, blurred vision, or cognitive impairment. However, other diseases with the same symptoms include viral infection, lupus, Alzheimer’s disease, and bipolar disorder.
- Lyme Disease – This is an infection that is usually caused by a tick bite and shows up as shortness of breath, chest or rib soreness, abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting, neck stiffness, and twitching of the face or eyelids. These symptoms are also similar to other illnesses, such as mononucleosis, flu, chronic fatigue syndrome, depression, and meningitis.
- Hypothyroidism – In many cases, this condition is mistaken for natural, age-related problems in large part because of some of the main symptoms include fatigue, dry skin, muscle aches, forgetfulness, and weight gain.
If you believe you are a victim of misdiagnosis or medical malpractice, please contact AMA Law right away. Our knowledgeable attorneys will go over your case with you and determine whether or not you may be able to bring a medical malpractice suit against the doctor or other healthcare professional responsible for the misdiagnosis.