Delayed diagnosis of serious vascular condition leaves Mr K with neurological symptoms
The Injury
Mr K was diagnosed with an arteriovenous malformation (AVM), a serious condition involving abnormal connections between arteries and veins that can disrupt normal blood flow and oxygen supply to tissues. Mr K experienced multiple symptoms including seizures, headaches, and weakness on his left side.
After an unsuccessful embolization procedure some 6 months after diagnosis, no further treatment was offered. Despite continued symptoms and hospital visits, it was not until four years later, following a serious brain bleed and the discovery of aneurysms, that Mr K was offered and received further treatment, which resolved his symptoms.
Represented by Krishna Kotecha , a Partner and Specialist Medical Negligence Solicitor at MDS, the case was settled after the Defendant admitted liability in full. Krishna said - “Mr K, a young man, experienced avoidable harm and suffering which affected his life for four years during which he was unable to work or have a social life. The admission of liability eased the stress of litigation for Mr K; and while the settlement will help him to move on with his life, it will not bring back his lost years”.
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If you are concerned about the medical treatment that you or a loved one has received, please contact us and one of our specialist team will assist you.
What Happened to Our Client?
Mr K was diagnosed with an arteriovenous malformation (AVM). An AVM is a tangle of blood vessels that creates irregular connections between arteries and veins. This disrupts blood flow and prevents tissues from receiving oxygen. An AVM can occur anywhere in the body, including in the brain, which can lead to serious neurological issues.
Mr K was experiencing troubling symptoms, including severe headaches, seizures, numbness, and weakness down the left side of his body. Despite multiple visits to A&E and thorough investigations, treatment options offered were limited.
Six months after diagnosis Mr K was admitted to the hospital for embolization, a procedure that blocks abnormal blood vessels, of the AVM. The procedure had to be abandoned however as it was too risky. Mr K was not offered any alternative treatment
Over the next four years despite ongoing and worsening symptoms, Mr K was advised to manage his condition conservatively. He was prescribed medication to manage the seizures, but the underlying AVM remained untreated.
More than four years after the failed embolization, Mr K suffered a life-threatening brain haemorrhage. A CT scan revealed that the AVM had bled, and two brain aneurysms had formed. He was admitted to intensive care and underwent a procedure to treat one of the aneurysms. Only then was he referred for Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS), a non-invasive treatment. Following treatment, Mr K’s symptoms gradually resolved.
We investigated Mr K’s case and found that after the failed embolization, the hospital should have sought specialist input. If they had done so, Mr K would likely have received SRS treatment within 6 months. The hospital trust admitted that earlier treatment would have resolved his seizures and weakness meaning Mr K would have avoided 4 years of neurological symptoms, seizures and left sided weakness and headaches.
We negotiated a settlement on Mr K’s behalf and compensation was paid to him.
Concerned about a delay in diagnosis?
How can MDS help you?
While no amount of compensation will ever be enough for your or a family member’s suffering, if you or a loved one has been affected by healthcare negligence, we can help you through the legal process for investigating your concerns against a healthcare professional and your negligence claim if there is one.
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The Outcome of the Case
We represented Mr K in a medical negligence claim.
The trust admitted failures in care and agreed that earlier treatment would have led to a better outcome.
A compensation settlement was successfully negotiated on his behalf.
Disclaimer
Whilst our case studies are designed to give an indication of the outcomes that can be achieved in these circumstances, the compensation awarded in individual cases can vary significantly due to a range of factors, including the severity of injury, effects on life expectancy and financial impact, for example. For more information, contact us today.
Our Approach
We will support you, guide you and be your voice throughout.
If you are concerned about the medical treatment that you or a loved one has received, please contact us and one of our specialist team will assist you.
