Pulmonary Embolism and Aneurysm

    PHOENIX, AZ, February 04, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ -- When we visit a doctor, we expect to receive the best treatment and care available. But what happens when the medical professionals we trust fail to notice or diagnose a serious medical condition that can or does result in death? When accidents like this happen, it is considered medical malpractice and the physicians should be held responsible for their negligence.

Two of the main causes of deaths during hospitalization are:
• Pulmonary embolism
• Aneurism

Symptoms of Pulmonary Embolism
Pulmonary embolism, also referred to as deep vein thrombosis, is considered to be one of the leading causes of deaths during hospitalization. The thing that sets this condition apart is the fact that it is completely preventable, provided the patient is receiving proper medical attention. It is estimated that close to 60,000 Americans die from pulmonary embolism each year and many of these deaths could be prevented.

Pulmonary embolism is a condition that develops when a thrombosis, or blood clot forms and travels through the blood stream to become lodged in the lungs. Most of the time, these blood clots form in the large veins in the legs of the patient. After the clot forms, it can turn loose and travel to the lungs where it can partially or completely block an artery.
The symptoms of pulmonary embolism are very recognizable, provided medical staff is monitoring the patient closely.

Symptoms can include:
• Sharp chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Profuse sweating
• Rapid pulse
• Increased anxiety

If any of these symptoms occur, it is important that the patient be treated immediately because brain damage and death can occur within a short 30 minutes of the first development of symptoms. It is critical that hospital staff know how to recognize symptoms of this disorder so they can save the victim's life if these symptoms arise.

There are several early stages at which deep vein thrombosis can be recognized and diagnosed by doctors. Yet, many times medical staff misinterprets or misdiagnoses the symptoms and they may minimalize the importance of the symptoms by blaming it on the stress the patient is under.

Symptoms of Aneurisms
The second main cause of death during hospitalization is an undiagnosed or overlooked aneurism in a patient. Aneurisms can sometimes display many symptoms and signs, while other times, they can happen quickly and without any warning. Doctors often misdiagnose an aneurism as high blood pressure, when it is actually a blood clot forming in the brain.

If an aneurism goes undiagnosed, it can lead to death or severe brain damage. Some of the symptoms are very common to a migraine, which is why they can be misdiagnosed so often. Symptoms of an aneurism which has already ruptured typically include:
• Severe headache
• Vomiting and nausea
• Neck pain or an overly stiff neck
• Double vision or severely blurred vision
• Pain above or behind the eye
• Dilated pupils
• Extreme sensitivity to light

Symptoms of an aneurism before it ruptures typically include:
• Problems with peripheral vision
• Cognitive or speech problems
• Perception problems
• Unusual behavioral problems
• Decreased balance and coordination
• Inability to concentrate
• Problems with short-term memory

If these symptoms are recognized and diagnosed in time, the aneurism is treatable with surgery. But, the longer the symptoms go unnoticed and undiagnosed, the more severe the condition becomes and the less likely it is to be treatable.

When someone suffers injury or even death from a condition that could be diagnosed and treated in its early stages, the doctors should be held responsible for their negligence. Contact the experience lawyers at Snyder & Wenner in Phoenix, Arizona to learn more about your rights and to recover the damages you deserve for your pain and suffering.

Source: Snyder & Wenner
Website: http://www.snyderwenner.com

# # #