How Do Most Brain Injuries Go Undetected?
Emergency medical services (EMS) and hospital staff may fail to diagnose brain injuries for several reasons. The brain is a complex organ that is difficult to diagnose, and symptoms of brain injuries may be subtle or masked by other injuries. In addition, there are many different types of brain injuries, each with its unique symptoms and diagnostic challenges. Here are some common reasons why EMS and hospital staff may fail to diagnose brain injuries:
Lack of specific training and expertise: EMS and hospital staff may not have specific training in diagnosing brain injuries or may not have the necessary expertise to recognize the signs and symptoms. As a result, they may miss the diagnosis or misdiagnose the injury as something else.
Inadequate assessment: Brain injuries are often not apparent on initial assessment, especially if the injury is mild or the patient is not displaying obvious symptoms. In some cases, the patient may not exhibit symptoms until hours or even days after the injury. If the patient is not thoroughly assessed or evaluated, the injury may be missed.
Failure to conduct imaging tests: Imaging tests such as CT scans and MRI are essential for diagnosing brain injuries. However, in some cases, EMS and hospital staff may fail to conduct these tests, either due to a lack of equipment or resources or a failure to recognize the need for the test.
Focus on other injuries: In cases where the patient has multiple injuries, EMS and hospital staff may focus on treating the most obvious injuries and overlook the brain injury. For example, a patient with a broken leg may receive immediate attention while a head injury goes undiagnosed.
Misdiagnosis: Brain injuries may be misdiagnosed as other conditions, such as concussion, migraine, or stroke. Misdiagnosis can delay appropriate treatment and worsen the patient's condition.
Lack of communication: Poor communication among EMS, hospital staff, and other healthcare providers can contribute to missed or delayed diagnosis of brain injuries. If information is not shared effectively or if there are gaps in the patient's medical history, the diagnosis may be missed.
Contact a Brain Injury Attorney in Colorado Today
At Hagen Nares PLLC, we have successfully represented clients who have sustained brain injuries. We understand the intricacies of navigating state and federal laws and will make sure that each party who is liable is held accountable. You don't have to face this alone–call 720-772-8513 today to schedule your Free Consultation.