The Potential Danger of CT Scans
Computed tomography scans – more commonly known as CT scans – are often used to generate a three-dimensional image of a subject’s body, in order to check for internal injuries, tumors, and other abnormalities. It creates this 3D image by taking a series of two-dimensional X-ray images and then collating them into a single, unified image. The scans from these images can be very useful in determining a patient’s ailments and what the best approach to correcting them may be.
However, because they take their images by using radiation, CT scans can actually present a potential danger to the human body. A recent study found that about 270 patients from three hospitals in the Los Angeles-area and one hospital in Alabama were over-exposed to radiation, putting them at an increased risk for developing new cancers or other health problems. The case is so shocking and dangerous that the FDA took immediate action to investigate the hospitals and the dangers posed to the patients.
Radiation Dangers
Overdoses of radiation can be dangerous for human beings, with a number of wide-ranging potential health hazards. Short-term radiation overdosing can cause nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. However, long-term radiation poisoning is more serious. Some of the most significant side-effects include:
- Hair loss
- Long-term nausea
- Weakness
- The development of tumors. When cancerous tumors are caused by radiation, they can be particularly virulent and difficult to treat.
Contact Us
If you or someone you love has experienced health problems as the result of CT scans, contact the Pennsylvania medical malpractice lawyers of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. by calling 610-667-7511