Locked-In Syndrome
Locked-in syndrome is a rare neurological disorder characterized by complete paralysis of voluntary muscles, except for those that control eye movements. Patients remain fully conscious and aware but are unable to move or communicate verbally.
Common Grounds for Locked-In Syndrome Malpractice Claims
Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis:
Failure to promptly diagnose conditions that can lead to locked-in syndrome, such as brainstem strokes, can result in severe and irreversible damage. Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment and minimizing long-term effects.
Improper Treatment:
Administering incorrect treatments or failing to follow established medical protocols can exacerbate the condition. For example, not providing timely interventions like clot-busting drugs for a stroke can lead to locked-in syndrome.
Failure to Monitor:
Inadequate monitoring of a patient’s condition, especially during critical periods, can result in missed opportunities to prevent the progression of the disorder.
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Legal Implications
In Georgia, proving medical malpractice in cases involving locked-in syndrome involves demonstrating that the healthcare provider’s negligence directly caused or worsened the condition. This requires expert testimony to establish the standard of care and how it was breached. Successful lawsuits can result in compensation for medical expenses, long-term care costs, pain and suffering, and other related damages. Like stroke cases, cases involved locked-in syndrome usually implicate a number of different providers across different specialties (emergency room physicians, radiologists, neurologists, mid-level providers, nurses, hospital staff, and even chiropractors), thus it is important to work with medical malpractice attorneys who have experience handling locked-in and stroke cases.
