Erica Fletes American Woman With Brain Tumor Doctors Thought Was Migraine For Seven Years Date of Birth: 01.01.1990 Country: USA

1. Early Symptoms and Misdiagnoses
2. Escalating Symptoms and Unresolved Pain
3. Missed Clues and Repeated Disregard
4. Finally, a Diagnosis
5. Consequences of the Delay
6. Lawsuit and Public Awareness

Misdiagnosed Brain Tumor for Migraines: Erica Flats Sues Clinics for Negligence

Early Symptoms and Misdiagnoses

For seven years, Erica Flats, now 29, from Eugene, Oregon, endured debilitating headaches, blurred vision, and neck pain. Despite these classic symptoms of a brain tumor, her concerns were repeatedly dismissed. In 2010, she first sought help from her primary care physician, Donald Mackay. Two years later, a brain scan at Riverbend Medical Center allegedly showed evidence of a tumor, but the interpreting radiologist, Stephan Thiede, reportedly overlooked it.

Escalating Symptoms and Unresolved Pain

As Erica's headaches persisted, she sought additional medical opinions. In 2014, family physician Galen Griffin dismissed the significance of her symptoms and prescribed muscle relaxants. In February 2017, she visited the emergency department at McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center in Springfield, where she reported sensitivity to light, throbbing headaches, nausea, numbness on one side of her face and both arms, and clouding of her right eye. Physician Eric Spencer and nurse Rebecca Hope diagnosed her with an "atypical migraine" after a stroke screening and sent her home without ordering further imaging.

Missed Clues and Repeated Disregard

Despite Erica's persistent symptoms, her primary care physician, Donald Mackay, failed to refer her for a brain scan or consultation with a specialist. She returned in March with worsening pain but was again dismissed without further investigation. In April 2017, internist Kantee Karki also declined to order imaging.

Finally, a Diagnosis

In May 2017, an ophthalmologist noticed damage to Erica's optic nerve and referred her to a neuro-ophthalmologist. An MRI revealed a tumor in her brainstem that had grown to 4.4 x 2.2 cm. A review of the 2012 scan showed that the tumor was visible even then.

Consequences of the Delay

Erica underwent surgery to remove the tumor in late May 2017, with approximately 80% of the mass successfully excised. However, the procedure left her with hearing loss in her right ear and an inability to fully close her right eyelid. The tumor is now shrinking, but Erica continues to experience paralysis on the right side of her face.

Lawsuit and Public Awareness

Erica Flats has filed a lawsuit against four clinics and five medical professionals for allegedly misdiagnosing her brain tumor for seven years. Her attorneys emphasize that her case highlights the importance of recognizing classic brain tumor symptoms and the need for thorough medical investigations. Erica's story serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of misdiagnoses and the resilience of those who persevere in seeking the truth.