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Misdiagnosed Strokes in Younger People
Last Updated on March 11, 2025 by tanya
Misdiagnosed Strokes in Younger People
Why It Happens and Claiming Compensation
A common perception is that older people suffer from strokes and this can result in misdiagnosed strokes in younger people. Healthcare professionals may not expect a younger person to have a stroke, so they may miss a stroke altogether. This can delay critical treatment as strokes require immediate attention.
Simply put, strokes don’t only happen to older adults in their 60s or 70s. There may be severe consequences if you are a younger person who was not diagnosed correctly. If you, or a loved one, suspect you have suffered medical negligence due to a misdiagnosed or missed stroke, we may be able to help.
First Personal Injury partners with highly experienced lawyers who work on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis and we can assist in guiding you regarding potential compensation.
Why Are Strokes in Younger People Often Misdiagnosed?
Age Bias
Many doctors associate strokes with older patients. So when a young person presents with symptoms, they may initially suspect something else, such as a migraine, vertigo, or even anxiety.
Atypical Symptoms
Classic stroke symptoms—facial drooping, arm weakness, and speech difficulties—are widely known. However, younger patients may experience different or more subtle signs. Symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, numbness, or headache might not immediately raise red flags for stroke in a younger person.
Lack of Awareness
Both the public and healthcare professionals may be less aware that strokes can occur in young adults. This means delays in seeking treatment and delays in receiving the right diagnosis.
Pre-existing Conditions Masking Symptoms
Conditions like migraines, epilepsy, or anxiety disorders can sometimes cause symptoms similar to those of a stroke. Because these conditions are more common in younger people, doctors may assume that the symptoms are due to these issues.
Over Reliance on ‘Fast’ Symptoms
The FAST acronym – which stands for Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call emergency services – is a great public health tool. Unfortunately, it does not cover every stroke symptom. Some younger patients experience symptoms that may not fit into the FAST criteria, leading to missed diagnoses.
Red Flags That Might Indicate a Stroke
If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately:
- Sudden and severe headache
- Unexplained dizziness or vertigo
- Numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side
- Confusion or difficulty understanding speech
- Blurred vision or sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes
- Loss of balance or coordination
- Difficulty speaking or slurred speech
- Seizures with no prior history of epilepsy
Even if the symptoms go away, they could be signs of a transient ischemic attack (TIA), also known as a mini-stroke. TIAs tend to precede a full-blown stroke, so they should never be ignored.
What Happens When a Stroke is Misdiagnosed or Missed?
A stroke is a medical emergency, and early treatment can significantly reduce brain damage. When a stroke is misdiagnosed or missed, it may lead to:
Increased Brain Damage – The affected part of the brain can suffer irreversible damage if prompt treatment is not received.
Higher Risk of a Second Stroke – A misdiagnosed or untreated stroke increases the chances of having another stroke, which may be more severe.
Longer Recovery Time – Delayed treatment may cause a prolonged recovery process.
Death – In some cases, a missed stroke can be fatal. It is particularly dangerous if it leads to major complications such as brain swelling or blood clots.
Making a Clinical Negligence Claim
If a stroke was misdiagnosed or missed due to medical negligence, you may have grounds for a claim. Negligence happens when a medical professional fails to provide a standard level of care which results in harm.
This may include a failure to recognise symptoms, mistaking symptoms for another condition, or delayed treatment due to improper testing. You will need to be able to show that the negligence is directly linked to the harm to you.
To make a strong claim, you will need to provide details of your medical records, including tests you were given. A second opinion from a stroke specialist can help establish if there was negligence.
If you suspect medical negligence, it is essential to consult a lawyer specialising in clinical negligence cases. We work with lawyers who can assess your case and who operate on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis.
Reaching out to a trusted claims company can make a significant difference in your journey ahead. At First Personal Injury, we can guide you in the next steps in securing potential compensation. Call us at 0333 358 2345 or contact us online at First Personal Injury to learn more.