Doctor wrongly diagnosed children in scam for more money, lawsuit claims

A pediatric neurologist in Michigan is being sued after allegedly misdiagnosing hundreds--possibly thousands--of Detroit-area children with epilepsy in a scam to raise his pay. 

Dr. Yasser Awaad, who practiced in metro Detroit from 1994 to 2007, most recently worked for Oakwood Hospital in Dearborn, Mich., which also is listed as a defendant on the lawsuit, reports the Detroit Free Press. According to financial records obtained by the newspaper, in 2005, Awaad received a base salary of $250,000, but earned more than $350,000 extra for "bringing business to the hospital." Awaad closed his practice in 2007 and moved to Saudi Arabia, shortly after the start of a state health department investigation against him. 

The hospital stands by Awaad, saying in a statement that it has "no reason to believe" the doctor's methods caused any harm or injury. 

"The diagnosis and treatment of seizure disorders for each patient is based on an individualized basis," the statement said, "and we intend to vigorously defend any cases that may result from these claims." 

Records pulled by attorneys Brian Benner and Nancy Savageau--who represent more than 200 families affected in the case--tell a different story, though. According to the Free Press, brain test readings for patients who came to them for help were found to be normal; Awaad's records, however, indicated otherwise. 

Furthermore, the lawsuit alleges that Oakwood took no action even after other doctors expressed concerns about Awaad possibly misdiagnosing patients. 

One of those former patients, 9-year-old Brian Guy, was 3 at the time of his diagnosis. He was put on anti-seizure medication that ultimately caused memory problems, and also underwent brain tests four times annually. 

A second former patient, 18-year-old Shana Reese, was referred to Awaad at 14 after experiencing migraine headaches. The doctor diagnosed Reese with epilepsy as well, and put her on a bevy of medications that caused her to feel tired, but did nothing for her headaches. 

"I just really thought something was wrong with me...when all along I was fine and he was just messing me up more," Reese told myFOXDetroit.com. "He's a monster to me. I don't know how he could sleep at night." 

To learn more:
- read this Detroit Free Press article
- here's the myFOXDetroit.com piece