At some point in time, someone you know will probably develop a DVT or “Deep Venous Thrombosis” – which is a blood clot in a vein deep inside the body, usually a thigh or calf. DVT is diagnosed and treated approximately 200,000 times per year in the United States and can lead to severe health problems if left untreated, including, compartment syndrome or clots that travel through the body and block blood flow to other vital organs, such as the lungs, heart or brain. This can lead to a severe stroke or even death. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/deep-vein-thrombosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20352557
A DVT is often associated with long periods of immobility. Many people will be familiar with the association between long flights and the need to get up and to walk the aisles every once in a while – ostensibly to prevent a blood clot in the veins of the leg (i.e., a DVT in medical terms). These DVT clot(s) that can form in the large veins of the leg block the normal venous return of blood and result in symptoms like swelling of the thigh or calf and an increase in temperature of the lower extremity. Over time, if left untreated, a significant portion of a DVT blood clot can break off and result in “downstream” blockage of smaller vessels in the lungs, heart or brain.
The diagnosis of DVT is usually made through a combination of physical examination and imaging studies. Emergency physicians are well versed in checking for this dangerous condition. Prompt diagnosis and treatment with appropriate medical therapy just may save your life or the life of a loved one.
A Michigan native who graduated from both Michigan State University and Cooley Law School, Mr. Weidenfeller has limited his practice of law to representing individuals who have been permanently injured and families who have lost a loved one as the result of medical errors for more than 20 years. In that time, he has been featured on the cover of Michigan Lawyer’s Weekly and has spoken to many and varied professional groups about trial practice and effective communication.
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