Daniel E. Holloway
Email me about your case
Georgia case library

Emory Brain Health Center complaint alleges syncope fall during Botox treatment

The complaint alleges that a neurology patient at Emory Brain Health Center underwent Botox injections for chronic migraines despite a known history of vasovagal syncope related to needles. The patient reported lightheadedness during the procedure, the injections were stopped and resumed, and the patient later reported feeling lightheaded again. The treating neurologist instructed the patient to stand unassisted for water, after which the patient fainted, fell face-first, struck her right frontal face area, bit her tongue, and briefly lost consciousness.

System
Emory Healthcare
Facility
Emory Brain Health Center
Providers involved
The Emory Clinic, Inc. / Emory Brain Health Center / Kathryn E. Kimrey, D.O.
Pattern
Alleged failure to monitor and assist a patient with a known fainting history during needle injections
Harm
Alleged facial trauma, head strike, bitten tongue, and brief loss of consciousness

Overview

This page concerns a public complaint alleging that a neurology patient at Emory Brain Health Center fainted and fell during Botox treatment after reporting lightheadedness and a history of vasovagal syncope.

Chronology

The complaint alleges as follows:

  1. The patient presented to Emory Brain Health Center on August 26, 2022 for chemodenervation, described in the source summary as Botox injections for chronic migraines.
  2. The treating neurologist knew the patient had a history of vasovagal syncope related to needles.
  3. The patient reported feeling lightheaded during the procedure, the injections were briefly stopped, and the patient was given water.
  4. The procedure resumed and the patient again reported feeling lightheaded.
  5. The physician instructed the patient to stand from a secure position without assistance to get more water.
  6. The patient fainted, fell face-first onto the floor, remained unconscious for approximately 15 seconds, struck her right frontal face area, bit her tongue, and required emergency transfer to a trauma hospital.

Alleged failures

The complaint alleges the following failures:

  • The physician failed to recognize and respond to signs of impending syncope in a patient with a documented history of the condition.
  • The defendants failed to properly monitor and assist the patient during a procedure involving needles.
  • The physician gave an improper instruction by telling a lightheaded patient to stand without assistance.
  • The complaint asserts ordinary-negligence and professional-negligence allegations against the physician and The Emory Clinic, Inc.

Entities and tags

The Emory Clinic, Inc.Emory Brain Health CenterKathryn E. Kimrey, D.O.Botox injectionsVasovagal syncopeChronic migrainesChemodenervationFall injuryFailure to monitorFallsNeurologyMigraine treatmentOutpatient careFall prevention