Every year thousands of individuals are misdiagnosed in the emergency room with harmless headaches or dizziness when they really are experiencing signs of stroke. A study published by David Newman-Toker, M.D., Ph.D. last April found that many emergency room doctors where overlooking or discounting these symptoms, especially in people younger than 45.
The research showed that a significant number “of people later admitted for stroke had been potentially misdiagnosed and erroneously sent home from an ER in the 30 days preceding stroke hospitalization. Those misdiagnosed disproportionately presented with dizziness or headaches and were told they had a benign condition, such as inner ear infection or migraine… About half of the unexpected returns for stroke occurred within seven days, and more than half of these occurred in the first 48 hours.”
Stroke is a leading cause of vascular dementia and it’s important for families and caregivers to recognize the symptoms.
Receiving treatment quickly can decrease the amount of long-term effects and has been shown to decrease the chance of repeat stroke by as much as 80%.
Aspen Senior Care is dedicated to providing quality care to seniors in their homes. We have well trained caregivers and staff who love seniors and know the challenges that family caregivers face. For more information please call 801-224-5910.