Misdiagnosis is a common problem for women in West Virginia who seek medical care with symptoms that could be attributed to many different issues. People who suffer harm due to a misdiagnosis or other medical error might be entitled to compensation for lost wages, pain and suffering, medical expenses or other damages. Among the conditions that are commonly missed in women because of equivocal symptoms are diverticulitis, irritable bowel syndrome, thyroid disease and heart disease.
Diverticulitis can be missed by doctors when women seek treatment because they have serious bloating. Bloating can be the result of stress, the menstrual cycle or other causes. Because of the number of causes of bloating, doctors might misdiagnose it. Serious bloating might mean the patient has diverticulitis, a bacterial infection or ovarian cancer. Irritable bowel syndrome, too, is commonly misdiagnosed because it can look to medical professionals like a symptom of premenstrual syndrome. IBS might cause stomach pain, constipation, diarrhea, gas or cramping. Dietary changes and low-dose antidepressants can be effective against IBS once it is accurately diagnosed.
Symptoms of thyroid disease include weak nails, body aches, constipation, dry skin and weight gain. It is often misdiagnosed as depression, hormonal imbalance or menopause because the symptoms are common among these conditions and they often develop gradually. Heart disease is the most common cause of death for women in the U.S., but it is often misdiagnosed as heartburn or anxiety.
In a case where a person has been misdiagnosed by a doctor or other healthcare professional, a lawyer might be able to help him or her pursue recovery for damages. In many medical malpractice cases, the injured party is at a disadvantage regarding information because he or she is not a doctor. A lawyer may be able to help gather information and evidence to build a case on the client’s behalf or identify parties who might be liable for damages.