CT Brain Perfusion Scan Radiation Overdose
Belt Law Firm is presently investigating cases involving radiation overdoses related to Cat (CT) Scans of the brain. Huntsville Hospital in Huntsville, Alabama, along with three Los Angeles area hospitals (Cedars Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles, Glendale Adventist Medical Center, Providence St. Joseph Medical Center in Burbank) are under investigation for delivering radiation overdoses to patients who underwent CT scans. The Food & Drug Administration initially alerted the public about this problem in October 2009. At that time the problem seemed confined to the three Los Angeles area hospitals. However, the problem seems to be extending to other areas of the country. Huntsville Hospital in Huntsville, Alabama, recently issued a press release stating it was in the process of notifying 60 patients of possible radiation overdoses from CT scans. Reports indicate the radiation overdoses can range from 8 to 12 times the proper amount.
The FDA has found that at least 300 patients at the four hospitals received radiation
overdoses during CT scans. The FDA’s investigation to date has been unable
to ascertain whether the radiation overdoses were caused by a problem with the CT
scans or involved human error, although Cedars-Sinai has blamed the overdoses on
radiologists who overrode the default radiation settings on the CT scanners. Pending
the conclusion of its investigation in this matter, the FDA has advised hospitals
and imaging facilities to:
- Review patient records to determine whether any patients who underwent CT perfusion scans received excess radiation;
- Review their radiation dosing protocols to ensure the correct dosing is planned for each scan;
- Implement quality control procedures to ensure that dosing protocols are followed;
- Check the CT scanner display to ensure the amount of radiation to be delivered is appropriate for the patient.
CT or CAT scans refer to computerized tomography which is a type of medical imaging that uses x-rays to produce a three-dimensional image. CT perfusion scans are a specific type of CT scans which evaluate blood flow in organs such as the brain and heart. To date the radiation overdoses are limited to individuals who underwent CT brain perfusion scans which are typically utilized to determine whether a patient has suffered a stroke.
Radiation overdose can increase your risk for severe long-term health issues including cancer and cataracts. According to the American Cancer Society a radiation overdose may also cause changes in brain function, and radiation necrosis, which can form at the site of the radiation in the brain, often months to years after radiation is given. Symptoms of a radiation overdose can include:
- Hair loss
- Erythema (redness and inflammation of skin)
- Nausea
- Fatigue/Weakness
- Headache
- Infections
- Fever
If you or a loved one suffered a radiation overdose from CT brain perfusion scans at Huntsville Hospital, Cedars-Sinai Hospital, St. Joseph’s Hospital or Glendale Adventist Hospital and wish to discuss your legal rights, call us toll-free at (888) 933-1514 or email us at info@beltlawfirm.com. We will provide you with a free legal consultation to discuss your options.
Radiation Overdose Related News
CT Brain Perfusion Scans Safety Investigation: Initial Notification
Huntsville Hospital Responds To Cases Of Radiation Overexposure Through CT Scans
Radiation overdose claim has FDA investigating Huntsville Hospital
Cedars-Sinai says error led to radiation overdoses on stroke patients
