Misdiagnosis is the most common cause of pediatric medical malpractice claims, according to a 2019 study. This often occurs because of miscommunication between doctors and the patient, or their family. Systemic healthcare failures, such as failing to notify physicians or patients of critical test results, are another common factor.
Pediatric misdiagnoses can result in serious harm to children. When a condition is misdiagnosed, the patient may undergo unnecessary treatments or take harmful medication. Meanwhile, the actual underlying problem is unaddressed and may worsen.
The following are some of the most common misdiagnoses in children:
- Pneumonia: Pneumonia is a serious, potentially fatal respiratory infection which inflames the air sacs in the lungs. Children with pneumonia often have fever and chills, difficulty breathing, poor appetite and nausea. A doctor should listen to their lungs and order additional tests if abnormalities are detected.
- Meningitis: Meningitis is another potentially deadly illness. This infection attacks the membrane covering the brain and spinal cord. It’s commonly misdiagnosed as the flu or other respiratory infection, especially in infants under one. Blood tests and spinal taps are used to diagnose the condition. If your infant is lethargic, fussy, refuses to eat, cannot regulate their temperature or has a rash or seizures, doctors should test for meningitis. Symptoms in older children include a stiff neck with fever, confusion and/or headache.
- Appendicitis: The appendix is a vestigial organ on the right side of the abdomen. When it becomes inflamed, it causes sudden sharp pain that can begin around the navel and move to the right side. It may be misdiagnosed as a stomachache or viral infection—but if the appendix ruptures, it can infect the abdominal cavity and organs.
- Psychiatric disorders: Some psychiatric disorders are attributed to physical maladies, which may lead to prescribing unnecessary medication or treatments.
- Medication side effects: When a physician fails to inquire about all the medications (both prescribed and over the counter) a child is using, they may overlook potential side effects. This can lead to missing a diagnosis or misdiagnosing what’s actually causing the problem.
As a parent, it’s smart to document everything your child’s pediatrician says or tests for, which medications they’re taking, which symptoms they experience and whether their conditions worsen or improve. Even if you don’t suspect misdiagnosis, this information can be invaluable should you need to visit a specialist or get a second opinion.
If your child was misdiagnosed, the Law Offices of Tim Misny can help. Call today to find out whether you are eligible to file a medical malpractice claim.
Talk to an Ohio medical malpractice attorney today
The Law Offices of Tim Misny can help you with your medical malpractice claim. If your child was injured due to a medical provider’s negligence or recklessness, I’ll Make Them Pay!® Call my office at (800) 556-4769 so that I can evaluate your case right away.
