Alleged failure to diagnose stroke leads to med mal complaint

A man has filed suit against the doctor who he claims discharged him from the hospital before diagnosing him with a stroke.

Dwight Sebastian and Rosemary Sebastian claim defendant Dr. Abiodun A. Sangoseni failed to diagnose Dwight Sebastian with an acute infarct involving the right pons before discharging him from the hospital.

Dwight Sebastian had arrived at defendant St. Anthony’s Health Center on Aug. 15, 2011, and told Sangoseni that he was suffering from dizziness, falling and a problem with his balance, according to the complaint filed Aug. 1 in Madison County Circuit Court. However, Sangeoseni failed to ask for a more detailed history or to perform a stroke screen on Dwight Sebastian, the complaint says. The doctor discharged him from the hospital without first evaluating his ability to stand or walk, the suit states.

Because of the missed diagnosis, Dwight Sebastian claims he experienced pain and suffering, endured disability and incurred medical costs.

In his complaint, Dwight Sebastian is seeking a judgment of more than $200,000, plus attorney’s fees and costs.

John J. Hopkins of John J. Hopkins and Associates in Alton will be representing him.

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 13-L-1294.