Baltimore Medical Malpractice Lawyers: Misdiagnosis of Parkinson’s
May 8, 2017
Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that causes the brain to stop producing dopamine, a neurotransmitter that controls a person’s ability to regulate their movements and their emotions. Some of the most common symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease, including muscle rigidity, tremors, changes in one’s gait, and slurred speech, are often mistaken as signs of old age. Unfortunately, this can cause a delay in diagnosis. By the time the patient is finally tested and diagnosed, the condition has often progressed to an irreversible stage, making it that much more difficult to treat.
According to the director and head of neurology at city-based Artemis hospital, people often think that symptoms like tremors, slowed movements, and impaired speech are simply signs of aging. What many people do not know, is that early-stage Parkinson’s disease only affects one side of the body, whereas age-related symptoms typically affect the entire body. The delayed diagnosis allows the disease to progress, making it more difficult to treat with the medications that are available. Raising awareness of the disease and its symptoms can help patients seek treatment and get diagnosed much earlier.
As the Disease Progresses, Medications Become Less Effective
Currently, there is no cure for Parkinson’s, and the main goal for doctors is to treat the symptoms, allowing patients to maintain their quality of life as long as they can. According to the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation, over 10 million people worldwide have the disease. Treatment can be expensive, with medication costs totaling up to $2,500 per person each year. If therapeutic surgery is required, the costs can run up to $100,000 per patient. As the disease progresses, medications become less effective, and can ultimately affect the patient’s quality of life.
The director of neurosurgery at Artemis hospital indicates that as the disease progresses, doctors must constantly change the frequency and dosage amounts due to on and off phases of treatment. For patients who have advanced stage Parkinson’s disease, deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery can stabilize medication fluctuations, control involuntary movements, reduce tremors and rigidity, and help with movement issues. Until there is a cure for Parkinson’s, early diagnosis is critical to controlling symptoms and maintaining a positive quality of life. A misdiagnosis can result in serious consequences.
Baltimore Medical Malpractice Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Fight for Victims of Medical Negligence
If you or a loved one is suffering from Parkinson’s disease and your symptoms were misdiagnosed by a medical professional, you are urged to contact the experienced Baltimore medical malpractice lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton at your earliest convenience. Our dedicated and compassionate team will work tirelessly on your behalf to protect your rights and secure the optimal financial compensation you deserve. To schedule a free, confidential consultation with one of our skilled medical malpractice lawyers, call us at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.
Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, allowing us to represent medical malpractice victims in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.
