Neurologists negligence caused permanent disabilities

[laserweld]

My story begins when I was 12 years old. I started getting dizzy,unsteady,and constant nausea. I was taken to my family doctor for exam. Who immediately sent me for an mri. The results were sent to a local neurologist. We'll call him Dr.Y. At my visit he stated I had a condition referred to as CAVERNOUS ANGIOMAS OR CAVERNOUS MALFORMATIONS.
He immediately referred me to a neurosurgeon at John Hopkins. Surgery was performed to remove angioma from frontal lobe. Other angiomas were also present including one on brain stem. But these all appeared to be inoperable.

After my surgery I had full recovery. I did not have any problems until I was 22 years old. I was 8 months into my second pregnancy when I suffered a grand mal seizure and was transported to E.R. They initially thought I was suffering from preeclampsia. My husband brought to their attention my cavernous angioma condition. I was immediately given an mri. It confirmed I had a bleed on left side of brain. Spent next 6 days in ICU so they could closely monitor me as well as unborn baby. Eventually had full recovery and delivered a beautiful baby girl.

After this I started seeing a different neurologist. We'll call him Dr.X.
I was currently taking dilantin for seizures. He switched me to topamax. Stating I was a little overweight 5'6" and 150 lbs. an topamax had weight loss a side effect. I saw Dr. X for the next 10 years and my weight is currently 124lbs. During this 10 year period I suffered from many partial seizures which he referred to as break-thru seizures.
Doing this time period I had annual check-ups with him. At every exam my husband and I would always request an MRI to see if there was any changes. Each and every time he would tell us."You don't need one, I know what we're going to see.

About a year and a half ago I started getting numbness on left side of body and face. I scheduled an appt. After an exam he stated it was stress related. I asked for mri and was once again denied.

Now to the present. On Thursday Sept 9 I started to get numbness on left side like I previously had. I assumed it was stress related. On Sunday Sept. 12 I was still having numbness. My husband called neurologist and he was told to call his office Monday and he'll try to fit me in. I went to see him Monday evening and told him of the numbness. He gave me an exam. He said that he does not see any sign of a hemorrhage and mentioned an mri but suddenly changed his mind and decided to have my topamax levels checked. The numbness I was experiencing was later found out to be caused by a hemorrhage on my brainstem. Which he did not see but an MRI woulf of. On Wed. evening Sept. 15. I went to work with numbness like it had been. I'm a cna at a nursing home. The following night Tuesday Sept. 14 I started feeling nauseau and also noticed my right side of face was becoming paralyzed "bels palsy". My husband immediately called Dr.X and had his answering service reach him. I told him of the new symptoms. "He told me to never call him at 10:00 pm about a problem that has been going on for 6 days. If it gets too bad take her to the ER. Otherwise call my office in morning around 10:00 am. I called him the following morning. He said the facial symptoms were bels palsy and he could prescribe prednisone for it. But wasn't sure what was causing nausea. But told to bring her in around 11:30 and he would see her. By this time her condition was extremely worse. I called his office and told them I was going to ER. They immediately did a ct scan which revealed multiple bleeds including one on brainstem which was causing nausea and bels palsy. I was admitted to ICU where I spent the next 4 days then moved to regular room for 2 days and released. Told not to lift over 5 lbs. If Dr.x would have had scan done on Monday I would have not endangered myself this way. The entire time she was in hospital and since I returned home. We have not heard from Dr. X. While in hospital we were asked if we would like one of the hospital neurologists to care for her while she was admitted. We said yes. We also scheduled a follow-up with different neurologist. Also had call from health ins. today. After lengthy conversation they were very surprised that Dr. X had never performed MRI. Especially when symptoms were present. They said I should schedule an appointment with neuro-surgeon at John Hopkins and that I wouldn't need a referral.

I currently still have numbness,nausea,unsteadiness,bels palsy,etc. I am unable to drive and in the process of applying for short term disability.

I'm scheduled to have surgery the end of November to remove the cavernous malformation on my brainstem. I currently have numbness in left arm and left side of face. My muscles on my right side of face are paralyzed so I am unable to smile,have problems chewing,etc. I also cannot close my left eye. Therefore I must constantly use eyedrops and sleep with patch over eye to prevent drying. My vision in left eye is now 20/400. My neurosurgeon stated my condition is not going to improve. But to prevent a bleed in the future which could be fatal. The area should be removed.

My neurologist has not performed annual MRIs despite requesting them. I've done some research and found that annual MRIs are SOP for my condition. I'm now facing surgery again and have permanent disabilities which could have been avoided with annual MRIs. Should I file a malpractice suit against the neurologist?

[AFFA]

I wish to inform you that you may file a suit for medical malpractice against the Neurologist. In your case the regular practice of MRI was not done and further there has been negligence in treatment, as a result now you may again have to undergo surgery. You can first give a written notice to the Neurologist about the fact that the doctor has not treated you as was required in routine (MRI, etc.). Further, due to the doctor's negligence you have suffered permanent disabilities. You may seek compensation and if Neurologist refuses then you may file a lawsuit.

AFF

I am so sorry for you. I will keep you in my prayers.

Originally Posted by Unregistered I am so sorry for you. I will keep you in my prayers.

The degree of malice and gross disregard for human life, or quality of life is evidence in far too many places to presume that human beings are operating within the confines of human decency, and mutual respect.

Seen in all forms of human communications and activities today, it only promises to get worse.

Arguing about how precious life is, and against abortion, hence, seems ridiculous even to a casual observer when dog eat dog human relations is what produces maximum advantage, or maximum profit.

Every person on the planet has the right to be aggrieved by such attitudes that are anything but humane.
I am so sorry that you had to suffer under such a lax system of unenforceable abuse to be made a victim.
I am so sorry that any of us are.