Sommers Schwartz attorney Matthew Curtis filed a Notice of Intent to bring a medical malpractice action on behalf of a woman who suffered a stroke after being advised to stop her blood thinner medication in advance of a pain injection. According to the notice, the plaintiff suffered from atrial fibrillation and was taking Pradaxa as prescribed by her treating cardiologist. She also had a history of rheumatoid arthritis and developed progressive pain in her right hip, for which she was scheduled to receive a pain management injection from the defendant anesthesiologis. The patient informed the defendant’s practice that she was taking Pradaxa, and was instructed to suspend the medication five days before the procedure. She experienced sudden right-sided weakness, confusion, and inattention. The patient was taken immediately to the emergency room, where she was diagnosed with acute stroke and underwent TPA infusion. The lawsuit claims that the defendant violated the standard of care by failing to consult with the patient’s cardiologist, who would not have stopped the Pradaxa more than two days before the injection procedure given the risk of clot formation. A complaint is expected to be filed in Oakland County, Michigan Circuit Court.