Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can happen in a variety of ways, but some of the most devastating cases result from preventable medical mistakes. When healthcare providers fail to uphold proper standards of care, patients may suffer life-altering consequences.
Misdiagnosis Or Delayed Diagnosis
When a brain injury is not identified early, the damage can worsen over time. Doctors may dismiss initial symptoms, attributing them to less serious conditions like migraines or minor concussions. In some cases, misdiagnosing a stroke or brain bleed can leave a patient without the treatment they urgently need. Early imaging tests and neurological evaluations are critical in detecting these conditions, but when those steps are skipped or mishandled, the risk increases significantly.
Errors In Medication And Anesthesia
Medication errors can contribute to brain injuries in several ways. Administering the wrong drug or incorrect dosage can lead to oxygen deprivation, seizures, or excessive bleeding in the brain. Anesthesia mistakes during surgery can have similar effects, especially when patients are given too much anesthesia, causing low oxygen levels, or too little, leading to traumatic awakenings that impact brain function.
Surgical Mistakes
Brain surgery requires extreme precision. According to a brain injury lawyer, a minor mistake can have severe consequences, including nerve damage, internal bleeding, or swelling in the brain. Errors such as operating on the wrong part of the brain, accidental punctures, or failure to control post-operative bleeding can all result in permanent cognitive or physical impairments. Even routine procedures involving the head or neck carry risks if the proper precautions are not followed.
Lack Of Monitoring During Birth And Delivery
Birth injuries can cause lasting brain damage when medical staff fail to respond to signs of fetal distress. Oxygen deprivation, known as hypoxia, can occur if the umbilical cord is compressed or if the baby remains in the birth canal for too long. Improper use of forceps or vacuum extractors can also cause physical trauma to an infant’s skull, leading to brain hemorrhages. When doctors and nurses do not act quickly in these situations, newborns can suffer life-long disabilities.
Failure To Recognize Or Treat Infections
Undiagnosed infections can also lead to brain injuries. Conditions like meningitis or encephalitis can cause swelling and damage to brain tissue when left untreated. Healthcare providers must carefully monitor symptoms such as high fever, confusion, and severe headaches, especially in vulnerable patients. When infections go undetected or are treated too late, permanent damage can occur.
Holding Healthcare Providers Accountable
Medical errors that lead to TBIs can have long-term effects on patients and their families. Attorneys like those at Woron and Dhillon, LLC can attest to the devastating impact these mistakes have on victims’ lives. Legal action may be necessary to help individuals recover damages for medical costs, lost income, and ongoing care needs.
Preventing these types of injuries starts with greater awareness of medical errors and stronger accountability for those responsible. If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury due to a medical mistake, seeking legal guidance can help determine the best course of action.
