Diagnostic error and neuro-ophthalmology

• Authors: Leanne Stunkel, Emory University; Nancy Newman, Emory University; Valerie Biousse, Emory University
• Journal Title: Current Opinion in Neurology
• Volume: Volume 32, Number 1
• Publisher: Wolters Kluwer | 2019-02-01, Pages 62-67
• Type of Work: Article | Post-print: After Peer Review
• Publisher DOI: http://doi.org/10.1097/WCO.0000000000000635
• Subjects: Biology, Neuroscience; Health Sciences, Opthamology; Health Sciences, Health Care Management
• Keywords: Science & Technology; Life Sciences & Biomedicine; Clinical Neurology; Neurosciences; Neurosciences & Neurology; diagnostic error; medical harm; neuro-ophthalmology; referral patterns; reimbursement; Emergency department; Malpractice claims; Overdiagnosis; Elimination; Pressure; Medicine; Glaucoma; Patient; Events; Stroke

Abstract

Purpose of review: This review summarizes the recent literature on diagnostic error relevant to the practice of neuro-ophthalmology, and evaluates the potential for increased access to neuro-ophthalmology to decrease rates of diagnostic error, thereby reducing medical harm and spending on unnecessary tests and treatments. Recent findings: Despite medical advances, current research continues to show alarmingly high rates of diagnostic error. Research into diagnostic error shows that many of these errors can be traced to cognitive errors. Recent studies on diagnostic problems relevant to neuro-ophthalmology, including studies of misdiagnosis of posterior communicating artery aneurysms, idiopathic intracranial hypertension, optic neuritis, and optic nerve sheath meningiomas, have identified major causes of diagnostic error in these conditions.