Legal Assistance for Misdiagnosis or Failure to Diagnose Aortic Dissection

Knowing whether or not a doctor has committed medical malpractice for failing to diagnose aortic dissection first requires knowing what the accepted standards of care are for this injury. An aortic dissection is a relatively common medical condition that can happen because of a car accident, sports impact,  other blunt trauma to the chest/neck, certain types of chiropractic care, genetic conditions, birth defects, age, pregnancy, high blood pressure, or aortic disease. It refers to a condition in which the inner wall of the aorta suffers damage, allowing blood to flow between the aorta’s layers of tissue. Symptoms of aortic dissection include:

• Sudden, severe chest pain
• Fainting or lightheadedness
• Dizziness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Rapid pulse
• Pale skin
• Shortness of breath
• Feelings of anxiety
• TIA or Stroke

The presentation of aortic dissection can appear like a heart attack. Patients might complain of a sharp or stabbing/tearing pain in the chest, pain that starts below the chest bone then moves to the back or shoulder blades, pain that moves down the body to the hips, or pain that changes positions as the condition worsens. Misdiagnosis of aortic dissection as a heart attack can result in improper treatment. If the provider rules out a heart attack, he or she may still fail to diagnose aortic dissection. Accepted medical treatments are available for this condition, but only if properly diagnosed in time. Otherwise, aortic dissection can lead to death or serious injury.  Clots formed at the dissection can move to the brain and lead to small mini-strokes or massive strokes.