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Have you had a CT lately?

Posted on: December 18, 2009

In: Uncategorized

: Image by .:. brainsik via Flickr

A few days ago, news broke out that several individuals had suffered from hair loss after having CT scans of the brain. The majority of cases were reported at hospitals in Los Angeles and Glendale, California. Then, yesterday, news broke of a young lady who had a CT scan of her brain after experiencing seizures. Shortly thereafter, she began to lose her hair, and the doctors were dumbfounded as to the reason why. That was until she received a letter from the CEO of the hospital. He wanted to notify her that she was exposed to high levels of radiation. The following link is the story from the local news station in Huntsville, Alabama.

Yesterday, a lawsuit was filed against GE Healthcare, the maker of the CT scanner that allegedly delivered 8 times the amount of necessary radiation. The class action lawsuit, naming 16 plaintiffs, was filed in Huntsville, AL in the amount of $5 million dollars to cover future medical costs associated with the exposure. The lawsuit “claims GE Healthcare carelessly researched the design and failed to adequately test” its products, and that the scanners lacked safety features to warn of overdoses.” (http://www.newsinferno.com/archives/17531 )

However, it is important to note that the FDA’s investigation of the CT scanners included more than one brand of scanner. The initial report in October 2009 by the FDA, stated that this occurred at one facility. However, there are more instances of occurring across the country. Common immediate symptoms of excessive radiation include hair loss and a skin rash. If you have concerns, you can contact MedWatch, the FDA’s voluntary reporting program. This can be done on-line by filing a voluntary report, by phone at 1-800-FDA-1088, or obtain the fillable form online, print it and fax to 1-800-FDA-0178 or mail to MedWatch, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20852-9787.