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CT Scan Radiation Lawyers
In 1980, only about 3 million people a year received CT scans in the United States. By 2007, that number skyrocketed to approximately 70 million people a year, according to a recent report issued by the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurement.
Why the dramatic increase in CT scans - and more importantly are CT scans safe?
CT scans are used to diagnose internal medical problems that can't be seen on X rays. Physicians often order CT scans without weighing the risks of the test. For example, a doctor may order a CT scan to diagnose cancer or a stroke without taking the time to consider the symptoms or whether another, less dangerous test, is desirable. Thus, some Americans are receiving unnecessary CT scans and, therefore, unnecessary radiation.
Other patients, who may legitimately need CT scans, are receiving the tests with unnecessarily high levels of radiation. GE Healthcare found that some technicians intentionally increase the radiation levels to get clearer pictures or do not know how to administer the test. The New York Times investigation found that to be true in some cases but also that the increased radiation levels could be the fault of GE, Toshiba, and other CT scan manufacturers. For example, legitimate questions exist about how well CT scan software and equipment are designed and how well people are trained to use the complex, potentially dangerous, technology.
How to Know if You've Been Exposed to Excessive CT Scan Radiation
Symptoms tend to begin with skin chaffing, burns, rashes, and a band of hair loss around the circumference of the head - none of which have medical explanations. As the effects of the increased radiation progress, patients suffer from disorientation, confusion and fogginess. Finally, as the significant and often irreparable damages of radiation poisoning overtake the body, patients can develop cancer, organ failure and brain damage.
What is Being Done to Protect Patients From CT Scan Radiation?
Currently, little is being done to protect the patient. The New York Times story brought national attention to these problems and also put pressure on the FDA to expand its investigation into CT scan radiation dangers that began last October and has not yet been completed.
Contact a Lawyer if You've Been Hurt by CT Scan Radiation
If you, or a loved one, have developed cancer, brain damage, organ failure, or any of the other serious side effects of CT scan radiation, we encourage you to contact the experienced personal injury lawyers of Anapol Schwartz. Our lawyers are committed to helping you obtain the fullest possible legal recovery.
