When you visit a doctor, you expect an accurate diagnosis. However, doctors often misdiagnose conditions, sometimes with serious consequences. It is helpful to know about five conditions that doctors frequently misdiagnose.
1. Heart attack
Heart attacks can present with symptoms like indigestion, fatigue, or anxiety, leading doctors to mistake them for less severe issues. This happens more often in women, who may experience atypical symptoms. Failing to recognize these signs delays critical treatment.
2. Stroke
Strokes often cause dizziness, headaches, or confusion, which doctors sometimes attribute to migraines or stress. Identifying a stroke quickly improves outcomes, but a misdiagnosis can lead to dangerous delays in care.
3. Cancer
Certain cancers, such as lung or colorectal cancer, often get mistaken for infections or other benign conditions. Early symptoms appear subtle, and without thorough investigation, doctors may not detect cancer in time.
4. Infections
Severe infections like sepsis share symptoms with the flu or other common illnesses. Fever and fatigue may seem harmless, but failing to diagnose an infection early can cause life-threatening complications.
5. Pulmonary embolism
Pulmonary embolism, a blockage in the lung’s arteries, often presents with shortness of breath and chest pain. These symptoms resemble anxiety or respiratory infections, making misdiagnosis common. Recognizing the condition early prevents severe complications.
Illinois law allows people harmed by misdiagnoses to file medical malpractice claims. The state requires filing a lawsuit within two years of discovering the injury, but no later than four years from the malpractice date. For minors, the law extends the timeframe to eight years, as long as they file before turning 22.
Knowing these commonly misdiagnosed conditions helps you advocate for your health. If a diagnosis seems uncertain, getting a second opinion can help ensure the right treatment.