Misdiagnosis of Seizures

Neurology medical experts specialize in disorders of the central nervous system. Neurologists treat a range of diseases including epilepsy, movement disorders, headaches, Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, cerebral palsy, infections such as meningitis and encephalitis, as well numerous other disorders of the nervous system.  Neurology expert witnesses examine medical records and testify on the medical standard of care in the treatment of strokes, seizures, and other acute neurological syndromes.

Misdiagnosis is the leading type of paid medical malpractice claim. Diagnostic errors can be harmful to patients as they may lead to delays in treatment, lack of treatment, inappropriate, or unnecessary treatment.

In Diagnostic Error in Patients With Neurologic Symptoms, Andrew N. Wilner, MD, writes:

Misdiagnosis in patients with neurologic symptoms may result in ineffective and potentially toxic treatment… Misdiagnosis of epilepsy is common. In one retrospective study of patients referred to an epilepsy center, nearly 25% had received a misdiagnosis. The most common conditions mistaken for epilepsy are syncope and nonepileptic seizures. Other causes, such as migraine, sleep disorders, and paroxysmal movement disorders, may also be mistaken for epilepsy.

Dr. Wilmer describes a patient diagnosed with partial seizures.  “The patient had a benign syncopal event, one of the most common reasons for misdiagnosis of epilepsy. When her ‘little seizures’ occurred during a neurologic examination, it was apparent that they were motor tics, not partial seizures…. A misread EEG may be the sole reason for the misdiagnosis of epilepsy. Because EEGs are often “overread,” it has been recommended that all EEGs be interpreted by a specialist in EEG.” (Medscape, October 31, 2016)

Medical malpractice claims may arise from misdiagnosis in a doctor visit, hospital setting, the wrong interpretation of x-rays, CT scans, or MRIs, EEGs, etc. The neurology expert witness is accomplished in analyzing medical records and presenting unbiased testimony to the court. Hiring a full-time practicing physician holding a professorial position at a leading university is an important strategy in winning your case. Contact Elite Medical Experts to be connected with an expert who has been specifically selected for the fact pattern in your case.