In recent months there have been quite a few reported cases of radiation malpractice, enough to raise concern that it is becoming a little too common. The most recent case, involving an Alabama woman, even has the FDA launching an investigation.
Becky Coudert went to Huntsville Hospital in September where she was diagnosed as suffering from Bell’s Palsy, which causes paralysis of the face. In an attempt to confirm the diagnosis, Coudert was given a CT scan, a test that involves the use of radiation.
A few weeks later, she began having difficulty speaking and had blurred vision, and her hair began falling out. When she went back to the hospital she was informed that she may have been given an overdose of radiation. Not just a little overdose, either. Coudert received 12 to 14 times what she should have.
It is unclear whether the overdose was caused by human error or malfunction of the machinery, but regardless, Coudert has filed a medical malpractice lawsuit and the incident has caught the attention of the Food and Drug Administration, who is also investigating the hospital.
Perhaps the most disturbing part of the case is that the hospital in question may have actually administered too much radiation to some 60 patients. These patients are being contacted as part of the investigation.
Radiation overdose can be quite serious and some of the side effects include:
- Hair loss
- Nausea
- Headache
- Infections
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Erythema (redness of the skin)
Anyone who may have experienced radiation malpractice should contact a medical attorney immediately.
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