Society holds doctors in the highest esteem. Doctors tend to be seen as faultless and being able to help no matter what the condition is. However, they are human and can (and will) make mistakes.
The problem for them is, when they do make a mistake, it can be costly and even fatal. Someone pays the highest price when a doctor makes a mistake. As a result, a malpractice lawsuit will be filed, which will often require the professional expertise of a medical malpractice lawyer. There are some medical conditions that are misdiagnosed by doctors. Let’s take a closer look at some of these conditions.
1. Fibromyalgia
This condition involves musculoskeletal pain and some unexplained symptoms, which means doctors can’t seem to find any obvious physical cause. The patient goes through chronic pain and fatigue. The main thing is to first rule out other conditions and diseases but this is not easy either.
For example, if someone saw a gastroenterologist, they may be diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome. If they were to see a rheumatologist, they’d be diagnosed with fibromyalgia. It can be difficult and frustrating for the sufferer.
2. IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
IBS is one of those conditions where there is no real test to show its existence. Any diagnosis would really just be a matter of elimination to rule out certain other possibilities. IBS is a chronic condition which affects the large intestines and is characterized by bloating, cramping, abdominal pain, constipation and diarrhea.
A patient should have these symptoms for at least half a year before any proper form of evaluation is done. Any discomfort should appear at least 3 days a month for at least 3 months, after which a diagnosis of IBS may be made.
3. MS (Multiple Sclerosis)
MS is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks its own nerve cells, sending mixed messages between the body and brain. It also causes lesions in the brain. The symptoms of MS can increase and decrease. If MS is suspected, either a spinal tap or an MRI can confirm it.
4. Lupus
This is a chronic inflammatory disease and some people may show the classic sign of a rash across the cheeks, but this is not always the case. Lupus can affect the skin, brain, kidneys, lungs, joints and can even mimic other problems. There isn’t one specific way to diagnose it.
5. Lyme Disease
The symptoms of Lyme disease can be very baffling. There can be a kind of “bull’s eye” rash, or, if you can locate a tick, then that will be helpful, otherwise the symptoms can be puzzling. These include migraines, joint pain, stiffness, fever and exhaustion, but sometimes, these can be confused with MS.
6. Endometriosis
Affecting only women, endometriosis is where uterine-lining tissue grows outside the uterus. Many women in perfect health can have menstrual pain and discomfort which is why endometriosis may be misdiagnosed. Cramps, pelvic pain and severe bleeding that gets worse are the main complaints from women with endometriosis.
There are even more conditions that are tricky to diagnose, so it’s not surprising that misdiagnoses occur. Some conditions can mimic another. For example, a person who has severe anxiety and panic attacks may go from doctor to doctor to figure out what’s wrong. Some of the symptoms can be dizziness, heart palpitations and feeling unbalanced. They may see someone who specializes in the inner ear and be told they are fine, yet it carries on. Sometimes, conditions can fool even the best doctors. This can cause a patient prolonged suffering, but occasionally, death may result.
