Misdiagnosed Parkinson’s disease may result in compensation claims

Delay in diagnosis of Parkinson’s

Research conducted by Parkinson’s UK found that of 2,000 people questioned, 26% found that they were initially diagnosed with a different medical condition. Shockingly, of the people that were initially misdiagnosed, almost half received treatment for the incorrect condition, with 36% receiving medication and 6% undergoing an operation or procedure unnecessarily. 6% of people underwent both surgery and incorrect medication. It is unknown as to how many people pursued misdiagnosis compensation.

Misdiagnosis compensation claims

Receiving incorrect treatment can have devastating consequences, with more than a third of people who had received the incorrect treatment believing that their health worsened as a result. For these individuals they may have sought compensation for misdiagnosis as a result.

Many of the people who took part in the research detailed that they had to have multiple visits to the GP before they were referred to a specialist, with 21% of respondents visiting the GP at least 3 times before they were referred to a Parkinson’s specialist.  Of those suffering with a misdiagnosis, the research found that women aged between 51-60 had the highest rates of a misdiagnosis. Where someone’s health has deteriorated due to a delay in diagnosis, it may be possible to seek a delayed diagnosis claim. It is thought that most misdiagnoses occurred due to the symptoms being similar to other conditions, making it very hard for an initial diagnosis.

What is Parkinson’s

Parkinson’s is a condition that occurs when the cells in the brain stop working in the correct manner. Brain cells produce a chemical called dopamine, however in patients with Parkinson’s the brain does not produce enough dopamine and movements cannot be controlled by an individual. The main symptoms include shaking, a slowness in movement and muscle stiffness. However, symptoms can vary amongst individuals. Symptoms can also change quickly and change from day to day which can make an initial diagnosis hard. The condition can deteriorate quickly and make an individual more susceptible to long term health conditions and complications including aspiration pneumonia, chest infections and pneumonia.

In the UK alone approximately 145,000 people are diagnosed with the condition each year.

Specialist medical negligence solicitors can offer assistance with claims for misdiagnosis. Contact us now to find out if you could make a claim for compensation.