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Stun Guns May Cause Seizures

Date:
March 17, 2009
Source:
Canadian Medical Association Journal
Summary:
Stun guns, in certain circumstances, may result in brain-specific complications such as seizures, according to a new case.
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Stun guns, in certain circumstances, may result in brain-specific complications such as seizures, according to a new case report published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal.

An analysis of an incident where a previously well police officer in his 30s was mistakenly hit by a taser shot with 2 barbs in the upper back and head meant for a suspect indicates that seizures may occur and should be considered an adverse event related to the use of these devices.

After the officer was hit, he collapsed and lost consciousness, not breathing, eyes rolled upward, foaming at the mouth, arms and legs jerking for about 1 minute and then confused for many minutes afterward. These symptoms "differentiate the episode from the usual transient incapacitation induced by tasers," write Dr. Richard Wennberg and coauthors from Toronto Western Hospital and the University of Toronto.

A neurologic assessment of the patient also diagnosed mild traumatic brain injury and postconcussion syndrome related to head impact from the taser shot or the fall to the ground during the seizure.

"Until now, most reports of taser-related adverse events have understandably concentrated on cardiac complications associated with shots to the chest," write the authors. "Our report shows that a taser shot to the head may result in brain-specific complications."


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Materials provided by Canadian Medical Association Journal. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.


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Canadian Medical Association Journal. "Stun Guns May Cause Seizures." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 17 March 2009. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090316173210.htm>.
Canadian Medical Association Journal. (2009, March 17). Stun Guns May Cause Seizures. ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 29, 2024 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090316173210.htm
Canadian Medical Association Journal. "Stun Guns May Cause Seizures." ScienceDaily. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090316173210.htm (accessed March 29, 2024).

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