Brainstem Cavernoma

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CASE: Failure to diagnose brainstem cavernoma

FACTS: Plaintiff, 48-year-old woman suddenly developed diplopia (double vision). She consulted her optometrist and PCP who were concerned about a potential neurologic cause. In fact, plaintiff’s double vision was caused by a cavernoma (a cluster of abnormal blood vessels) in her brainstem, which had hemorrhaged, compressing and irritating the 6th cranial nerve, and causing the diplopia.

The only way to diagnose a cavernoma is through imaging. Her PCP ordered two MRIs, one immediately and one 6 months later. Those MRIs were read by two different radiologists employed by defendant radiology practice. The cavernoma was visible on both MRIs.

Both defendant radiologists missed the cavernoma. They failed to identify and inform plaintiff’s treating clinicians that there was a lesion on her brainstem responsible for her symptoms.

Because the defendant radiologists reported the MRIs as normal, plaintiff’s condition went undiagnosed and her symptoms continued unabated for four years. Her treating clinicians were at a loss to provide an explanation or effective treatment. She became increasingly anxious and depressed about her unexplained disabling visual impairment.

Four years from the start of her symptoms the cavernoma re-hemorrhaged, causing plaintiff to suffer numerous, new and debilitating neurologic deficits. In addition, the delay in diagnosis made surgery to remove the cavernoma more difficult, and plaintiff suffered facial palsy and other neurologic deficits as a result. She is now totally disabled due to the neurologic deficits caused by the second hemorrhage and the surgery.

DEFENSE: General denial of liability.

INJURIES: Facial palsy and massive facial drop, tinnitus, nystagmus (bouncing eyes), vertigo, balance difficulties, inability to close her eye, anxiety and depression. Plaintiff has undergone additional medical treatment to address the foregoing problems.

SPECIAL DAMAGES: Lost wages totaling $908,179.00. Life care expenses of $1,792.172.00. Medical bills.

SETTLEMENT: The parties agreed to settle for a confidential amount.

PLAINTIFF’S COUNSEL: Kimberly Kirkland (Reis & Kirkland, PLLC) and Lawrence B. Schlachter (Schlachter Law Firm, PC)

NAMES/COUNTY: Anonymous v. Anonymous