Certain medications save lives when used properly. Chemotherapy, radiation, and many prescription drugs, for example, can help people with potentially fatal diseases. However, when these treatments and drugs are improperly combined or when there is an accidental overdose of these medications, then the result can be catastrophic. For some patients, the outcome may be chemical damage to the brain, also called neurotoxicity.
Symptoms of Neurotoxicity
The symptoms of neurotoxicity depend on the specific drug or combination of drugs that the victim was given. According to News Medical, some symptoms of neurotoxicity include:
- Paralysis or weakness.
- Changes in sensation.
- Tingling or numbness.
- Headaches.
- Changes in vision.
- Changes in memory.
- Changes in cognitive function.
- Obsessive or compulsive behavior.
- Behavior problems.
- Sexual problems.
- Depression.
- Circulatory problems.
- Balance problems.
- Symptoms similar to the flu.
Victims of chemical damage to the brain may experience one or more of these symptoms.
Diagnosis of Neurotoxicity
In order to get an accurate diagnosis, it is important to report all of your medications, and the doses of those medications, to your doctor. In order to make a diagnosis, your doctor may perform a physical exam, ask you about your symptoms, and conduct one or more of the following tests:
- Nerve conduction test.
- Brain imaging scans.
- Psychiatric testing.
It is important to make an accurate diagnosis so that you can receive appropriate treatment.
Treatment of Neurotoxicity
Treatment will include a change in medications so that the drugs that combined to result in brain damage or the amount of drug that was used that resulted in brain damage no longer negatively affects you. Rehabilitation therapies and other treatments may also be recommended by your physician.
Recovery From Neurotoxicity
Your prognosis will depend on many factors, including the extent of the brain damage that you suffered. As your doctors work to repair the pharmaceutical error that led to your injury, your attorneys will fight hard for your fair and just recovery of damages. You should not have to live with the economic loss, inconvenience, or pain that you have suffered due to someone else’s negligence. Instead, you should learn more about your rights by scheduling a free consultation with an experienced brain injury lawyer today.
