A study suggests up to 13% of dementia diagnoses in the US may be misdiagnoses, with some cases actually caused by treatable liver-related conditions like hepatic encephalopathy, highlighting the importance of liver health screening in cognitive decline cases.
Many women, including public figures like Lori Harvey, experience delays in diagnosing common hormone conditions affecting reproductive health, highlighting a widespread issue of misdiagnosis.
The article shares 17 emotional stories of individuals who faced misdiagnosis or dismissive treatment for chronic illnesses, highlighting the long and often dangerous journey to proper diagnosis and the importance of listening to patients' symptoms.
A woman was dismissed as 'too young' for colon cancer, but later diagnosed with stage 4 and successfully treated with chemotherapy, leading to remission after nearly a decade.
A cardiologist highlights cardiac amyloidosis, a rare but underdiagnosed condition where misfolded proteins build up in the heart, causing stiffness and failure, often mistaken for common issues like hypertension or aging.
A mother from Flintshire advocates for increased awareness and research funding after her baby girl, Molly, was misdiagnosed with colic before being diagnosed with a brain tumour, leading to complex surgeries and ongoing treatment challenges.
A Mayo Clinic study reveals that heart attacks in women under 65 often have nontraditional causes like embolisms and SCAD, which are frequently overlooked or misdiagnosed, highlighting the need for tailored diagnosis and treatment approaches.
Natasha Reynolds, a 23-year-old woman from Sheffield, experienced an 18-month delay in ovarian cancer diagnosis due to her symptoms being dismissed by doctors as IBS or endometriosis, highlighting the need for better listening and investigation by medical professionals. Now cancer-free after surgery, she urges women to advocate for themselves and for doctors to take persistent symptoms seriously, as new NHS guidelines aim to improve early diagnosis.
A young runner was misdiagnosed with shingles after developing a rash during marathon training, leading to an 8-hour ER visit and unnecessary treatment before being correctly diagnosed with eczema, highlighting issues in medical diagnosis and costs.
Liliana Castaneda, a 19-year-old with Turner syndrome, experienced heavy vaginal bleeding that was initially dismissed as stress by her doctor, but was later diagnosed as Stage 2 clear cell carcinoma, a rare form of vaginal cancer. Her case highlights the importance of considering underlying conditions and seeking second opinions when symptoms persist, especially in young patients.
Charlotte Chapman-Hart, a woman with a rare neurological condition, was misdiagnosed with an eating disorder after rapid weight loss caused by medication side effects, leading to traumatic hospital experiences and PTSD. Her story highlights the importance of accurate diagnosis and attentive healthcare for rare diseases.
A woman from Cornwall was misdiagnosed with menopause symptoms when she actually had stage four non-Hodgkin lymphoma, leading to severe spinal cord damage and paralysis. Her case highlights the importance of thorough medical investigation and awareness of serious conditions that can mimic common symptoms, especially in women.
A healthy 22-year-old woman in England was initially misdiagnosed with anemia and back pain due to her new office job, but later diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma after her symptoms worsened, highlighting the importance of trusting one's instincts and seeking further medical advice.
A healthy 22-year-old woman in England was initially misdiagnosed with anemia and back pain due to her new office job, but later diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma after her symptoms worsened, highlighting the importance of trusting one's instincts and seeking thorough medical evaluation.