CT Scanner Radiation Risks

Computed Tomography (CT or CAT) technology has been helping doctors "see" inside the human body for so long that it is easy to forget that this technology uses radiation to create images. It is also easy to take for granted the proper calibration and operation of these machines because of the thousands uses each day. Errors in software design, calibration or operation can result in patients receiving many times more radiation than is necessary. This results in a CT scan radiation overdose, which leads to brain damage, cancer and many other serious health risks. In recent months, the Food and Drug Administration has investigated hundreds of cases of people who have received radiation overdoses while undergoing CT scans involving scanner made by General Electric Healthcare. If you or a close family member has received a radiation overdose from a GE CT scanner, the Pennsylvania GE CT Scan lawyers at Anapol Schwartz may be able to help. Call them today at 1-866-735-2792 to schedule a consultation.

Not All GE CT Scans Result in Radiation Overdoses

We tend to use the term "CT scan" to refer to all CT scans but there are dozens of different types of these scanners. The people who received radiation overdoses from GE CT scans all underwent a specific type of scan called a brain perfusion scan. These scans quickly diagnose patients suspected of having strokes by measuring blood flow to the brain. After undergoing brain perfusion scans, some patients began losing their hair in bands around their heads and experiencing memory loss, headaches, confusion and other puzzling symptoms. Investigations found that these patients had received serious radiation overdoses, significantly elevating their risk for brain damage and cancer.

The PA GE CT Scan radiation lawyers at Anapol Schwartz are watching developments in this case very closely as the FDA investigation has uncovered over 400 confirmed cases of radiation overdoses thus far. Six hospitals in California confirmed hundreds of GE CT scan radiation overdoses, as well as dozens more at a hospital in Huntsville, AL. The investigation is ongoing but the FDA suspects that many more patients receiving brain perfusion scans from GE CT scanners all over the country have received excessive doses of radiation due to improper calibration, poorly designed, software, poorly trained technicians and other potential causes.

Were You a Victim of Radiation Overdose During a Brain Perfusion Scan?

A GE CT scanner delivers a dose of radiation equivalent to 200 x-rays to a patient receiving a brain perfusion scan with proper calibration and operation. The FDA found that in some cases, operators deliberately delivered up to 13 times the recommended dosage of radiation to receive a clearer image of the patient's brain. In doing so, they may have delivered a lethal dose of radiation to the patient. If you or a close family member has undergone a brain perfusion scan and exhibited signs of hair loss, headaches, confusion, memory problems and other symptoms of a radiation overdose, the New Jersey GE CT Scan lawyers at Anapol Schwartz may be able to help. The firm practices law in PA, NJ and WV. Call them today at 1-866-735-2792 to schedule a consultation.

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