Stroke Misdiagnosis Claim Type Guide

Reconstruct the stroke-evaluation timeline

A stroke misdiagnosis review should focus on what symptoms were documented, when they began or were last known to be absent, what neurologic assessment occurred, which imaging or consultations were obtained, and what happened after the diagnosis changed. A later stroke diagnosis does not by itself establish negligence.

Records that can clarify the decision points

• EMS and emergency triage notes
• Documented symptom onset or last-known-well information
• Neurologic examinations and stroke-screen documentation
• CT, MRI, vascular imaging, and radiology communications if performed
• Neurology or transfer notes
• Later treatment and rehabilitation records

Questions for expert review

• What information was available when the initial decision was made?
• Was the presentation typical, atypical, or evolving?
• Did any test result or clinical change require reassessment?
• Would an earlier diagnosis probably have changed treatment options or outcome?

Document the additional harm being alleged

Separate deficits attributable to the stroke itself from any additional injury claimed to result from delayed recognition or treatment. That causation question is medical and fact-specific.