When Parkinson’s Is Missed

Find Out More About A Clinical Negligence Claim

This disease can be mistaken for other medical conditions due to subtle early signs, so it is serious if or when Parkinson’s is missed. If you have been misdiagnosed or have been through a delayed diagnosis, you may be able to make a clinical negligence claim for compensation. While Parkinson’s typically affects those over 60, there is also young on-set Parkinson’s. This is more uncommon and impacts sufferers under the age of 40.

World Parkinson’s Day is marked on 11 April to raise awareness on this devastating condition. The latest research co-funded by Parkinson’s UK, offers hope with a new blood test. This will provide a new method to potentially improve diagnosis of Parkinson’s.

However, if you want to find out more about a clinical negligence claim, contact our team at Jefferies Claims who can help.

Parkinson’s Misdiagnosis and Similar Common Conditions

Parkinson’s doesn’t always present the same way for everyone. The symptoms may not always be obvious, especially in the early stages of the disease. Here are some of the most common conditions people get wrongly diagnosed with:

• Essential Tremor – This also causes shaking, but usually when you’re moving, not when you’re resting , which is more typical of Parkinson’s.
• Anxiety or Depression – If you’re younger, symptoms like tiredness, a flat mood, or slow thinking might get brushed off as a mental health issue.
• Stroke or Mini-Stroke (TIA) – Sudden trouble with balance or coordination may be blamed on a stroke.
• Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) and Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) – These rare conditions look a lot like Parkinson’s. But they progress faster and have other unique symptoms.
• Cervical Dystonia – Muscle tightness in the neck or shoulders? This may sometimes be confused with Parkinson’s stiffness.

Symptoms of Parkinson’s

These are the classic signs associated with Parkinson’s:

Tremor

Shaking or trembling, usually starting in one hand (often when at rest).

Commonly described as a “pill-rolling” motion between thumb and forefinger.

Bradykinesia (Slowness of Movement)

Movements become slower, making everyday tasks like buttoning a shirt or walking feel more effortful.

Facial expressions may become less animated (“mask-like” face).

Muscle Rigidity

Stiffness in the arms, legs, or neck, which can reduce your range of movement and cause pain.

Postural Instability

Balance issues, leading to unsteadiness or more frequent falls, especially as the condition progresses.

Other symptoms may include a shuffling walk, reduced arm swing, slurred speech, small cramped handwriting, stooped posture and decreased sense of smell.

Sleep problems, fatigue or low energy, constipation and urinary problems may also be signs.

Could It Be Clinical Negligence?

Not every incorrect diagnosis will be grounds to make a claim. However, doctors have a duty of care. A breach of this duty happens when a medical professional fails to meet the standard of care that is reasonably expected of them. In other words, did the care given fall below acceptable standards.

To make a clinical negligence, you will have to show that the duty of care was breached. Additionally that this breach directly caused the harm you have suffered.

Examples may be that you saw your doctor multiple times with the symptoms. The symptoms got worse, but you were not referred to a specialist. Or that you were given the wrong diagnosis, only to find out much later and missed out on early treatment.

What Should You Do Next?

If you think your Parkinson’s was misdiagnosed or diagnosed too late, here’s how you can take the next step towards making a claim.

You need to ask for your medical records. Additionally get an expert medical opinion who will review your case.

It is essential to consult with a lawyer who can assess your case and advise you accordingly.

As clinical medical negligence can be complicated, you should consult with a lawyer with considerable knowledge about claims in this field. We work with highly experienced lawyers who operate on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis and your information remains confidential.

Contact Jefferies Claims today at 0333 358 3034 or complete our online contact form to arrange a free, no-obligation telephone consultation.