Lawyers for Carbon Monoxide Neurological Injuries
Exposure to carbon monoxide gas, either low levels over a long period of time or acute poisoning that occurs quickly over a brief period of time, may results in permanent brain damage or other neurological problems.
Carbon monoxide attacks all of the organs of the body by depriving them of the oxygen they need to function, including the brain. This damage from carbon monoxide poisoning can result in a life time of medical needs and loss of some skills needed to function, resulting in a diminished quality of life.
The carbon monoxide attorneys at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. provide free consultations to determine if financial compensation may be available for brain injuries that may have been preventable. Request a free consultation and claim evaluation.
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Carbon Monoxide Brain Risks
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless toxic gas that is a leading cause of poisoning deaths in the United States. However, individuals who survive carbon monoxide exposure may be left with serious and debilitating brain damage.
A carbon monoxide brain injury can result in a number of long-lasting health problems, including:
- Amnesia
- Anxiety
- Brain Lesions
- Cerebral White Matter Demyelination
- Cognitive Dysfunction
- Depression
- Diffuse Brain Atrophy
- Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy
- Mutism
- Necrosis of the Globus Pallidus
If carbon monoxide levels build up in the blood, it may prevent the brain from receiving the proper amount of oxygen.
Unfortunately, it is often difficult to recognize carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms, even when an individual is exposed to high levels that cause long-term brain damage without immediate signs.
Exposure to carbon monoxide at any levels may cause long-term brain damage without immediately obvious symptoms, and in some cases problems may slowly progress.
Delayed Neurological Side Effects of Carbon Monoxide Exposure
According to the findings of a recent study published by the American Journal of Roentgenology, carbon monoxide causes different patterns of brain injury depending on whether or not the case was one of acute carbon monoxide poisoning or not.
Researchers determined that the globus pallidus, the part of the brain that controls voluntary movement, is the area most often damaged by carbon monoxide poisoning. The brain injury is usually immediate and caused by acute carbon monoxide exposure. However many other parts of the brain may be damaged from carbon monoxide gas as well.
The damage to the brain is usually caused by necrosis or tissue death, which occurs as the brain is temporarily being starved of oxygen. Neurons and vital parts of the brain suffocate, causing a wide range of maladies.
Some side effects of carbon monoxide neurological damage do not show themselves immediately, due to a condition known as white matter demyelination.
Individuals may show no signs of carbon monoxide poisoning following treatment for acute exposure, but hours or days later they may begin suffering mental deterioration, like amnesia and cognitive dysfunction. They may also develop emotional disorders like depression, anxiety, or mutism.
Carbon monoxide neurological damage could also cause individuals to suffer motor function problems, such as urinary or fecal incontinence, or Parkinson’s disease-like symptoms.
All of these injuries can last for life and can fundamentally alter the quality of life for the victim. They could also lead to long-term and expensive medical requirements, a loss of ability to do one’s job and could negatively affect the victim’s life in a number of ways.
Carbon Monoxide Brain Injury Lawsuits
Many health experts agree that brain damage, and many other carbon monoxide poisoning injuries, suffered each year are avoidable. They are often caused by the negligence or failure of another person or corporation to exercise the appropriate standard of care. This could include a failure of heating systems, appliances, generators or a lack of safety features in hotels, apartments, businesses, residences and other property where individuals live and work.
Financial compensation may be available for individuals who have suffered carbon monoxide brain damage due to someone’s negligence. If you, a friend or family member developed brain damage or other side effects from carbon monoxide exposure, request a free consultation and claim evaluation.