Philadelphia Medical Malpractice Attorney Blog

It was once believed that 2 in every 100,000 children are victims of a stroke but thanks to the work of doctors at the Pediatric Stroke Center at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia it is now estimated that 12 in every 100,000 children suffer from strokes.

Strokes are so uncommon in children that parents and many doctors never imagine the child is suffering from a stroke although they may be presenting with the signs and symptoms associated with a stroke. In most cases strokes aren't recognized in children until 24 hours after the first sign or symptom. In all stroke cases, time is of the essence, the faster a stroke is diagnosed and treated the less brain damage the patient will experience. Those at the highest risk for a stroke are children born with a hole in their heart and those with vascular problems however the risk is so low that they are not routinely screened for a stroke.

Children suffering from a stroke present the same symptoms of adults suffering from a stroke. The child may lose the ability to walk, speak, use one side of their body, and may become disoriented. Child stroke suffers are more capable of leading a healthy and active life than those who experience a stroke as an adult. A child's brain is still developing and is able to work around those areas affected by the stroke and many return to full health with no disabilities or impairments.

Related Web Sources:
Children Don't Have Strokes? Just Ask Jared

Thomas Jefferson University Hospital located in Center City Philadelphia is one of only six hospitals in the country to currently implement the newest MRI an "extremity MRI." This new machine is primarily used on the limbs and does not require patients to enter a confined space. The extremity such as the arm or the leg is the only part of the body placed in the machine leaving patients free from the feeling of claustrophobia. With the patient free to interact and less nervous doctors are noticing that less movement is taking place allowing for the highest quality image.

This MRI is one of the most powerful diagnostic tests a doctor can use to examine patients, especially a soft tissue injury. Unfortunately most patients are hesitate to enter the MRI machine and when inside fidget around due to feelings of claustrophobia. Patients must lie completely still for the best quality MRI and for many patients that requires sedation. Open MRI machines where the patient is not completely enclosed are an alternate but due to a lower magnetic field images are not as powerful and diagnosis can become more problematic.

Regrettably many patients do not receive MRIs and suffer serious medical injuries as a result. Our Philadelphia Medical Malpractice firm has handled hundreds of cases where tests are not administered properly or in a timely matter and the end result is harm to patients. As technology advances it is our hope that this trend is reversed patients can receive accurate and timely diagnosis.

Related Web Sources:
Action News Profiles Girl Helped by "Extremity MRI"

Neurologists can totally reverse the effects of a stroke if the stroke is diagnosed and treated within the first three hours. Recognizing a stroke can be a difficult task but bystanders now need only ask the potential stroke victim to perform four simple tasks that could save their lives.

First ask the individual to smile. If the person has difficulty smiling or only one side of their face moves, ask the person to raise both of their arms. If the person has difficulty completing this simple task ask them to speak a simple sentence. If the person cannot coherently complete the sentence ask them to stick out their tongue. If the tongue is crooked and goes to the left or right side contact an ambulance immediately.

These simple tasks can save a person's life.