It’s scary to think about how many diseases there are that get misdiagnosed every day in Georgia. Unfortunately, even diseases that seem obvious can get misdiagnosed by medical professionals because of the way their symptoms overlap with other conditions. This can lead to serious medical malpractice cases, especially when patients don’t receive the treatment they need and experience negative effects as a result.
Commonly misdiagnosed diseases
One of the most commonly misdiagnosed medical conditions is lupus. This condition often presents several symptoms, including chronic fatigue, fever, joint pain, and a rash, that can easily be mistaken for other illnesses. As a result, lupus is often misdiagnosed as rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia or even cancer.
Another disease that is commonly misdiagnosed is fibromyalgia. This condition causes widespread muscle pain and fatigue, which can similar symptoms to other diseases, such as chronic fatigue syndrome.
Irritable bowel syndrome is another condition that can easily get misdiagnosed. This disorder, which affects the large intestine, causes symptoms, such as abdominal pain, diarrhea and constipation. These symptoms are also common to other diseases, such as Crohn’s disease and celiac disease.
Lastly, Lyme disease, which is transmitted through tick bites, is one of the easiest conditions to misdiagnose. It often causes flu-like symptoms, such as fever, muscle pain and fatigue. These symptoms can also mimic those of other diseases, such as the common cold or the flu.
How to report medical malpractice in Georgia
If you have received a misdiagnosis or medical diagnosis or treatment that caused negative consequences, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. After that, report the medical malpractice to the Georgia Composite Medical Board.
This organization may review medical records, interview medical staff and investigate the matter to determine if medical malpractice occurred. If it finds medical malpractice did occur, it will take action against medical professionals.
Although medical malpractice can be frightening, it’s important to know your rights and what steps to take if you experience it. By understanding the most commonly misdiagnosed diseases and knowing how to report medical malpractice, you can protect yourself and your loved ones.