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Epilepsy is a very complex condition that is characterised by over 40 different types of possible seizure, something which can make it difficult to correctly diagnose. However, this does not preclude doctors from being able to achieve a correct diagnosis, meaning that if someone is incorrectly diagnosed with epilepsy, the misdiagnosis may result in a payout of medical negligence compensation.
Diagnosis can be performed in several ways. Electrocardiograms (for the heart) and electroencephalograms (for the brain) are just part of this process. An individual's medical and genetic history and general health, as well as blood tests may will play a part too, helping exclude the possibility that the seizures are not in fact symptoms of another condition.
Concerns about misdiagnosis of epilepsy, particularly among children, came to a head in 2003 when it emerged that a consultant paediatrician, Dr Andrew Holton, at Leicester Royal Infirmary had incorrectly diagnosed 618 children (31% of his diagnoses) with the condition. Among these, he put 500 on the incorrect dose of drugs.
An epilepsy misdiagnosis has the potential to damage a child's health, development and well-being. Pain and suffering is not confined to the child either, it can devastate whole families.
UK personal injury lawyers have represented many of the families affected, securing them millions of pounds of medical negligence compensation in the process.
Unfortunately, it is believed that problem may be much more far-reaching than first imagined. One recent Danish study suggested that the misdiagnosis rate of Dr Holton may not be that unusual. The Danish Epilepsy Centre investigated 223 children who had been diagnosed with the condition and found that 87 of them (39%) actually suffered from other conditions. Of these, the vast majority were taking anti-seizure drugs.
A spokesperson for Epilepsy Action comments, "We don't feel this misdiagnosis rate is acceptable.
"Epilepsy is a difficult condition to diagnose, but we should not accept this level of error."
UK-leading clinical negligence lawyers
If either you or a close family member has suffered the pain and trauma of a medical misdiagnosis, there are procedures in place to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Claiming compensation for clinical negligence is a civil right. Not only does it ensure that you are compensated for your pain and losses but also that health authorities are motivated to take all proper action to guard against such negligent care occurring in the future.
Our clinical negligence solicitors are among the best in the UK and, over the years, have forged an enviable success rate. While some costs and fees are inevitable in a claim for medical negligence compensation, we ensure that they are always kept to a minimum, warn you of them in advance and reimburse them in a won case.
To have an obligation-free assessment of your claim, speak to our legal advisors in confidence now on 0800 10 757 95.
Alternatively, fill out a claim form or use our echat window.
