Supporting a client after a misdiagnosed colloid cyst leads to stroke and complications

This claim concerns failures by the NHS to diagnose a colloid cyst in our client, resulting in severe and catastrophic consequences due to delayed treatment.

The incident                                   

After initially consulting a pharmacist, our client presented to A&E with severe pain, nausea, vomiting, and unsteadiness, but was misdiagnosed with a migraine and discharged with codeine, which did not relieve his symptoms. The following day, after significant deterioration, he returned to A&E, where staff suspected intoxication despite being told he had not consumed alcohol.

Eventually, a CT scan revealed a colloid cyst causing raised intracranial pressure and the client was urgently transferred to another hospital for emergency brain surgery. During the procedure, the client developed diabetes insipidus. A subsequent MRI scan confirmed a stroke, likely resulting in cortical blindness. He underwent further surgeries and treatment for infection.

After being transferred back to the original hospital, the client was placed on a gastroenterology ward, rather than a stroke ward, where care was reportedly inadequate, including poor hydration, hygiene issues, and limited physiotherapy and occupational therapy support. Staff were unaware of plans to transfer the client to a specialist rehabilitation unit.

The impact

Due to delays and mismanagement, our client suffered catastrophic injuries, including permanent blindness.

He has suffered from a significant cognitive impairment. He cannot retain information and is unable to fully remember his family members or communicate with them in the same way.

The case

The case is being handled by Principal Associate, Sharon Banga.

An admission of liability has been achieved by our team with the court recognising this admission recently in a court order.  We are now working to support our client in quantifying and setting up a rehabilitation package with the assistance of various medical and therapy experts involved.

Working alongside medical experts, we are developing a tailored care package for the client. We have secured an interim payment of £100,000.00 and are supporting the client’s family to find suitable alternative accommodation. Upon conclusion of the case, our client and his family will be supported by Fletchers’ deputyship department in management of his rehabilitation and other items that are now vital to his wellbeing.

Sharon Banga comments:

“This case highlights the life-changing impact of our work in achieving justice and improving quality of life for seriously injured clients.”