Fainting Spells
Fainting spells (syncope, syncopal episodes) may be entirely normal, caused by such things as sudden emotional upset, the sight of blood, or standing for a prolonged time, particularly in a hot, humid environment. Other fainting spells, however, may be signs of extremely serious problems such as:
- A heart condition: An electrical malfunction of the heart (arrhythmia) can lead to heartbeat abnormalities lasting for varying periods of time, associated with decreased blood flow to the brain and fainting spells. A frequent example of such a condition is Long Q-T Syndrome (LQTS), which often occurs in children and adolescents, and is frequently manifested by fainting spells in association with exercise or emotional excitement. Some medications can also cause LQTS (Carol’s addition);
- A seizure disorder (epilepsy);
- Other conditions involving the heart or brain.
Many causes of fainting spells are effectively treatable, but can be fatal or lead to brain damage if undiagnosed and untreated. LQTS, for example, may be misdiagnosed by cardiologists and neurologists for months or even years, as "ordinary" fainting spells (sometimes called vaso-vagal syncope). Such misdiagnosis can result in a cardiac arrest followed by death or brain damage. If diagnosed before tragedy occurs, LQTS can often be treated simply with oral medications. LQTS is sometimes mistaken for epilepsy, leading to incorrect treatment, and often catastrophic results. LQTS in one family member can mean that other family members have the condition, even if they are not experiencing symptoms. EKG testing may be life-saving to diagnosis of LQTS.
In consultation with pediatric cardiologists, pediatric neurologists and other physicians, the lawyers at the Sweeney Law Firm will work with medical specialists to analyze medical records, EKG’s and other sources of information to determine what caused your child’s symptoms, and whether your child’s injury or death was due to malpractice. If so, the Sweeney Law Firm may be able to recover money damages to help pay for medical expenses, costs of long term physical therapy and rehabilitation, loss of income, loss of enjoyment of life as well as compensate you and your family for the emotional and physical pain and suffering, loss of comfort and companionship, and loss of life itself.
Call the Sweeney Law Firm at 260-420-3137 or toll free at 1-866-793-6339. Get answers to your questions. Learn your legal rights. There is no cost or obligation for us to evaluate your case.
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Fort Wayne, Indiana Personal Injury, Medical Malpractice Lawyers & Attorneys
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