Misdiagnosed Strokes in Younger People

Is This A Hidden Danger?

Strokes can happen at any age and are not necessarily an ‘older people’s problem’, but this perception may lead to misdiagnosed strokes in younger people. When we think of having a stroke, it may well be an older person in our minds. This general bias may lead to misdiagnosis or even a missed diagnosis.

However, strokes can affect young adults, teens and even children. While it’s rare in children, it’s more common in younger adults which includes people under the age of 45. Getting the correct diagnosis quickly is essential. A misdiagnosed or missed stroke may lead to a medical negligence claim for compensation.

If you, or a loved one, has suffered from a stroke which has been misdiagnosed and are considering a medical negligence claim, Jefferies Claims may be able to help.

The Age Factor: Who’s at Risk?

While strokes are more common in older adults, they’re not exclusive to them. The most misdiagnosed strokes in younger people includes those in their 20s or 30s. Meanwhile teenagers may sometimes be misdiagnosed as having migraines or anxiety. A stroke can even occur at birth or in children, but it’s not common.

As older people tend to suffer from strokes, a medical professional may not consider it as a first option in younger people with stroke symptoms. It may be misdiagnosed as migraines, vertigo, stress or even drug intoxication. Unfortunately, strokes require immediate treatment and any delay may lead to complications, or even be fatal.

Types of Strokes in Younger People

Strokes come in different forms, but the two main types are caused by a blockage (ischemic), or by bleeding in the brain (haemorrhage). In younger people, ischemic strokes are more common. These may be linked to:

• Blood clotting disorders – Some genetic conditions can increase the risk of clot formation.
• Carotid artery dissection – A tear in the artery that supplies blood to the brain, which can happen after an injury.
• Heart conditions – Issues like undiagnosed heart defects or arrhythmias can lead to clots traveling to the brain.
• Birth control and pregnancy – Women on hormonal birth control or those who recently gave birth have an increased stroke risk.
• Drug use – Stimulants like cocaine or meth can trigger strokes.

Haemorrhagic strokes, which are caused by brain bleeding, are less common. However these may potentially occur can due to aneurysms, head trauma, or conditions like arteriovenous malformation (AVM) which affects blood vessels.

The Warning Signs: What to Look For

The classic acronym for stroke symptoms is known as FAST:

• Face drooping
• Arm weakness
• Speech difficulty
• Time to call 911

While these are common symptoms, strokes in younger people may sometimes present differently. Many of these symptoms tend to overlaps with less serious conditions. Additional warning signs include:

• Sudden and severe headache – often dismissed as a migraine.
• Vision problems – blurred, double vision, or partial blindness.
• Dizziness or vertigo – commonly misdiagnosed as an inner ear problem.
• Numbness or weakness in one side of the body
• Difficulty walking, loss of coordination
• Sudden confusion or trouble understanding speech
• Seizures – more common in paediatric strokes
• Hiccups or nausea – especially in women.

Why Does This Happen?

Because strokes are “not expected” in younger individuals, doctors may attribute their symptoms to anxiety, dehydration, stress, or even hangovers. Women, in particular, face a higher chance of misdiagnosis as their symptoms may be dismissed as hormonal or anxiety-related.

If You Suspect A Stroke

To prevent misdiagnoses and improve outcomes, it is important that younger people are more aware that they can suffer from a stroke. If you suspect that you, or someone you know, has symptoms resembling a stroke, push for further testing.

This may involve a CT scan or MRI which can confirm a stroke. Additionally if you have a family history of strokes, blood clotting disorder or heart conditions, be vigilant as to a potential stroke. If you feel you may have been misdiagnosed or a medical professional has missed diagnosing a stroke, insist on more tests.

Can You Make a Medical Negligence Claim For A Misdiagnosed Stroke?

If your stroke was misdiagnosed or missed entirely, you may have grounds for a medical negligence claim. This will include showing there was a breach of duty of care by a medical professional. This means a doctor failed to recognise your symptoms or failed to conduct necessary tests. Additionally, you will need to show that a misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis directly caused you harm

 Steps to Take If You Suspect Negligence

As medical negligence cases may be complex, consulting with a specialist lawyer the best way to explore your options. You should also gather your medical records, which includes medical appointments and test results. A second opinion from a specialist may confirm that your diagnosis was incorrect.

Jefferies Claims can guide you through a potential claim. We work with highly experienced lawyers who operate on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis and who are committed to help you get the compensation you deserve.  Call us today at 0333 358 3034 or visit Jefferies Claims Contact Page to discuss your potential claim.