Cryptogenic stroke is an ischemic stroke for which no definite cause is identified after standard investigation. It is relevant to medical malpractice litigation in two ways: as part of the diagnostic puzzle when a stroke is missed at first presentation, and in connection with the investigation and secondary prevention that should follow a stroke or transient ischemic attack of uncertain cause.
Allegations can concern failure to recognize the stroke or transient ischemic attack in the first place, and failure to pursue an adequate workup to identify a treatable source, such as occult atrial fibrillation or a cardiac shunt, so that appropriate secondary prevention can be started. The standard of care is established through expert evidence from neurology, emergency medicine, and cardiology, and causation turns on whether a more thorough or timely investigation would have changed management and prevented a subsequent event.
Posts tagged Cryptogenic Stroke analyze Ontario and other Canadian decisions touching on stroke of uncertain cause, its investigation, and secondary prevention.
On December 1, 2023, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice dismissed a medical malpractice lawsuit brought by a young woman who suffered a stroke after taking birth control medication provided by her family physician who allegedly failed to advise her of the increased risk of stroke associated with that particular brand of birth control pill (Yaz).
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