Medical Claims Online - Missed Subarachnoid Haemorrhage Claims

What is a subarachnoid haemorrhage?

A subarachnoid haemorrhage is a relatively rare condition, occurring in about 1 in 10,000 people. Bleeding occurs in the subarachnoid space in the brain.

What causes it?

There are a number of causes of subarachnoid haemorrhage. Usually they are caused by a ‘berry’ aneurysm. A person may have a ‘berry’ aneurysm without even knowing so until one day it bursts usually as a result of straining, coughing or lifting.

Other causes are: trauma, warfarin treatment or tumours.

What are the symptoms?

·Sudden, excruciating headache

·Severe headaches over a number of weeks

·Nausea or vomiting

·Coma

How is it diagnosed and why is it missed?

There are many cases involving missed subarachnoid haemorrhages. Usually, a CT scan is used to diagnose bleeding in the brain. Unfortunately, usually a CT scan is not performed in time or at all resulting in serious complications, including death.

Rarely, a CT scan may have been performed but the bleeding may be missed. Often this is because the initial bleeding was a ‘warning bleed’ leading in a re-bleed.

A lumbar puncture may also be performed.

What is the treatment?

Neurosurgery will be performed to repair the bleed. However, on occasions subarachnoid haemorrhage surgery is performed negligently resulting in a further bleed.

Missed subarachnoid haemorrhages can have serious consequences and often result in medical negligence litigation. Contact us today to discuss your concerns with a medical negligence specialist.