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SEPTEMBER NEWSLETTER
This Month’s Question:
Can a Medical/Legal Consultant find previously undiagnosed medical damages?
MD Consulting Services Answer:
We recently had a case of a 22 year old man who while working in the warehouse area of a large rental store was struck on the top of his head by a chandelier that fell from its attachment in the ceiling. He fell to the floor and briefly lost consciousness and then immediately complained of a headache as well as feeling dazed and confused. Over a period of 10 months many diverse and unexplainable symptoms progressively developed including the onset of an extrovertive personality, whereas prior to injury he was an introvert who made straight A’s in school, and piercing, aching headaches which were constantly present. In addition, he developed two additional unusual problems including episodic severe shaking tremors, nervousness, hyperactivity, loudness of voice, fast talking and unexplained feelings of fear in addition to blackout spells in which while standing his knees would “collapse” and he would fall to the floor.
EEG testing and EMG testing were normal as well as having normal CT scans of the brain. Neurologic examination was also described as normal.
The client was treated with various tranquilizers, anticonvulsants, sedatives, antidepressants and psychotherapy none of which were effective in controlling the client’s severe headaches and associated symptoms. He complained of the various medications making him feel “like a zombie.” The client was eventually given a psychiatric diagnosis unrelated to his head injury by IME doctors and some IME doctors suggested he was malingering.
We were asked to observe an IME related to his case. While the client and the Medical/Legal Consulting physician were in the IME doctor’s waiting room before the IME, the client had one of his episodes described above. In fact, in a panicked state the client actually ran out of the waiting room and did not participate in the IME. The Medical/Legal Consultant was able to observe the episode first hand and postulated that the client may have been experiencing a brain stem seizure.
We urged the client’s attorney to assist the client in setting up a specialized EEG with specialized EEG leads including leads in the client’s pharynx (throat). In fact, we acted as a liaison between the attorney and the treating neurologist to facilitate the specialized EEG. The EEG showed abnormal activity in the brain stem and the client was eventually diagnosed with brain stem epilepsy that was a direct result of his work-related head injury and explained his previously undiagnosed symptoms.
This situation is another example of how we can assist you with all the medical issues in your cases and occasionally find previously undiagnosed medical damages. Please reply to this email or call 715-299-8226 to schedule a time to talk.
Let Us Know How We Can Help You
- Medical Summary Reports for Settlement Letters
- IME Observation & IME Rebuttal Reports
- Reports Answering Specific Medical Questions
- Standard of Care Reviews
- Liaison with Treating Doctors
- Help with Strategies to Promote Medical Theories
- Interpretation of Meaning, or lack thereof, of Medical Reports & Records
- Independent Record Reviews
- Assessment of Case Validity Regarding Medical Issues
- Referral to Expert Medical Witnesses
- Medical Research
- Facilitation of Communication with Clients, Families, Professionals and Service & Governmental Agencies
- Case Coordination
- Deposition & Trial Question Preparation
- Table-side Deposition & Trial Assistance
As you know, we have purposefully kept our fees exceptionally low allowing you the opportunity to have us review your cases early in your representation while controlling your expenses.
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