CT Scan Radiation Overdose

Lawyers Helping Those Over-Exposed To Radiation

More than 300 people may have suffered radiation overdose in hospitals in Alabama and California. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is currently investigating multiple radiation overdose reports, after it was revealed that patients were exposed to up to eight times the normal radiation during certain CT scans (1) of the brain. It has been reported that CT radiation overdose investigations may involve Huntsville Hospital in Huntsville, Alabama.

Problems with suspected CT radiation overdoses in California hospitals were discovered by radiation safety inspectors who promptly reported their findings to the FDA. It is believed the radiation overdose problem may be nationwide (2).

Symptoms of Radiation Overdose

Initial symptoms of CT radiation overdose and radiation poisoning include:

• hair loss
• nausea and vomiting
• red or itchy skin
• headaches
• confusion
• weakness

CT Brain Perfusion Scans and Radiation Overdose

The scans that exposed unknowing patients to extremely high levels of radiation are called perfusion CT scans, and can be used to determine if a patient has had a stroke. CT scans are also sometimes referred to as CAT scans. During a perfusion CT scan, an injection is administered to patients before they are put into a CT machine that uses x-rays to see inside the brain (3).

X-rays are a form of radiation known to cause cancer in high doses. X-rays pass through the body, but are absorbed in different amounts depending on the density of the material they pass through (4).

The FDA estimates about 150,000 CT perfusion scans are performed every year.

We Want to Help

The radiation overdose lawyers at our firm are investigating claims and helping the families of people who underwent a CT perfusion scan and suffered a radiation overdose. Contact us today at CTscaninfo@cwcd.com for a free and confidential evaluation of your claim, and we will do everything we can to help you.

Sources:

1. "Radiation Overdoses At Cedars-Sinai Prompt Investigation," by Maggie Mertens. Accessed 12/30/09 via www.npr.org.
2. "FDA Investigates Radiation Overdose At Hospitals," by Patti Neighmond. Accessed 12/30/09 via www.npr.org.
3. "Diagnostic Radiology—CT Head Scan," from the Radiological Society of North America. Accessed 12/30/09 via www.radiologyinfo.org.
4. "X-Ray," from the Mayo Clinic. Accessed 12/30/09 via www.mayoclinic.com.

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When you’ve been hurt, it’s easy to get the help you need—the Birmingham Radiation Overdose injury lawyers at Cory Watson Crowder & DeGaris are ready to fight for you. Contact Cory Watson Crowder & DeGaris immediately or email CTScaninfo@cwcd.com. You can also pick up the phone and call us at (800) 852-6299 or fill out our free online consultation form.

As a leading national injury law firm, we serve clients throughout the country as well as locally, including Birmingham, Blount, Jefferson, Shelby, Tuscaloosa, and Walker counties. It takes just minutes to fill out the brief form and the initial conversation is free.