Many know the risks of injecting gadolinium into the body. These include kidney impairment and also hurting developing babies among other hazards. However, what researchers are starting to link now is the buildup of the gadolinium toxicity in the different areas of the brain.
About Gadolinium
Gadolinium is a chemical element carrying the atomic number 64 and the atomic symbol Gd. Belonging to a group of elements in the periodic table called Lanthanides, the chemical is a rare earth element typically used in microwave applications, color TV tubes, synthetic gemstones, compact discs, and computer memory. This chemical element is widely used as an injectable contrast agent when patients undergo magnetic resonance Imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) scans.
Brain Gadolinium Toxicity
Currently, there are two forms of gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs). These are linear and macrocyclic GBCAs. The linear GBCAs are more toxic. The macrocyclic GBCAs, even though safer, are not entirely blameless. However, linear GBCAs deposit gadolinium in three main brain areas. The most common area is the dentate nucleus of the cerebellum. This white matter is the largest structure to link the cerebellum to the rest of the brain. Medical professionals can see the gadolinium toxicity on plain T1-weighted MRI scans where it shows as high signal intensity.
However, the risk of gadolinium toxicity increases with multiple administrations of the dye. Researchers pinpoint the possible risk threshold as 4 injections of gadolinium. Although many have had toxicity with just one dose. Unfortunately, the totality of harm has still not been established. Reports do say that gadolinium toxicity can harm muscles, eyes and causes chronic pain. Some report cognitive impairment along with reduced verbal fluency.
Free Case Evaluation
A gadolinium lawsuit may be an option for patients suffering from gadolinium retention and related complications. Gadolinium, used in dyes to increase the clarity of MRI and MRA scans, can create chemical element retention in the body, Therefore, this increases the risk of gadolinium deposition disease and nephrogenic systemic fibrosis. These conditions are accompanied with symptoms that include severe physical pain and cognitive difficulties. Affected patients and their loved ones may be able to file a lawsuit and recover damages.
For more information, contact The Michael Brady Lynch Firm. We offer free, confidential, no-obligation consultations. We have over 20 years experience helping consumers injured by unsafe products manufactured by large companies.