Patient is Permanently Injured by Aneurysm

Case Overview

This case takes place in New Mexico and involves a male patient with a history of migraines. He presented to the ER with complaints of what seemed to be a migraine headache. The admitting nurse noted that the patient appeared to be slightly cross eyed, and the patient claimed that he had never experienced this symptom before. Nevertheless, the patient was given over the counter medication for his headache and discharged from the hospital roughly one hour later. Roughly one week later, the patient presented to the same emergency room complaining of severe weakness. It was eventually determined that the patient had suffered significant bleeding due to an aneurysm, and the delay in care resulted in several permanent and debilitating injuries.

Questions to the Neurosurgery expert and their responses

Do you routinely treat patients for the complications noted above?

I have extensive training in the treatment of subarachnoid hemorrhage and aneurysm. I spent time studying with specialized international neurovascular neurosurgeons during my training. I am a clinical professor of neurosurgery with early extensive training in the treatment of cerebral aneurysms. I routinely educate neurosurgery residents in the management and care of patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.

If so, do you believe he may have fared better if more timely intervention had occurred?

It appears that there was a breach in the standard of care in the initial delay to diagnose, and it is likely that this patient would have had a better outcome had the aneurysm been caught sooner.

About the expert

I am in full time clinical practice, in which lumbar puncture and management/surgery of subdural hematoma are common in my practice. I perform such surgeries on a regular basis.

E-002761

Specialties:

Neurosurgery