Misdiagnosis can have devastating consequences for those who experience them, as exemplified by the story of Chandler Plante, whose stroke was misdiagnosed as anxiety. Despite seeking medical attention for troubling symptoms, it wasn’t until later that she discovered she had experienced multiple strokes. Now, she faces the permanent loss of vision in one eye. Plante’s story serves as a stark reminder of the importance of accurate diagnoses and the potential consequences of misdiagnosis.
Chandler Plante, a healthy woman in her early 20s, contracted the original strain of COVID in December 2020. In the following months, she began experiencing alarming symptoms, such as severe migraines and numbness in her hands and forearms, which were initially dismissed as anxiety. It wasn’t until June that doctors conducted an MRI, revealing critical stenosis in her internal carotid arteries and confirming that she had experienced an ischemic stroke. Her misdiagnosis has resulted in the loss of her vision and significant life-altering consequences.
Misdiagnosis is a widespread issue in the medical field, affecting an estimated 12 million American adults each year. To protect ourselves, it is crucial to advocate for our own medical care, communicate symptoms thoroughly, seek reputable medical professionals, request necessary tests, and trust our intuition. By being proactive in our healthcare, we can help ensure accurate diagnoses and appropriate treatments.
