Taser can trigger seizures, researchers say
Policeman accidentally jolted in head has symptoms a year later; report suggests publicizing warnings
A jolt from a taser could trigger a seizure in certain circumstances, according to a new report by Canadian researchers.
The finding is based on a case study of a police officer who was accidentally hit with a taser in the upper back and head, and had a seizure with long-lasting side effects. The case report, being published today in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, highlights a little-known risk of brain complications if a person is shocked on or near the head by a taser, lead author Richard Wennberg said.
"I think it's quite different from the vast majority of the taser usage," said Dr. Wennberg, who works at the Krembil Neuroscience Centre at Toronto Western Hospital and is associate professor of neurology at the University of Toronto. "We should be using them more judiciously."
He said that strong warnings about the chance of seizures should be publicized to help reduce the risk of serious brain complications.
In Canada, only police organizations are authorized to use stun guns. Their use has been the subject of major controversy, particularly since the death of Polish immigrant Robert Dziekanski, who suffered cardiac arrest after being hit with a taser multiple times by the RCMP in October, 2007. The incident is the subject of a public inquiry. Stun guns have been associated with numerous deaths in Canada.
The new report examines the case of a healthy police officer in his 30s who was chasing a suspected robber, when a second officer accidentally hit him with a taser shot. The officer fell to the ground and began foaming at the mouth with his eyes rolling back in his head. His movements and behaviour were consistent with a generalized seizure. He returned to work five days later.
He had no more seizures after the injury, which occurred more than a year ago. But he still has headaches, dizziness, irritability, difficulty concentrating and anxiety.
"Until now, most reports of taser-related adverse events have understandably concentrated on cardiac complications associated with shots to the chest," the report said. "Our report shows that a taser shot to the head may result in brain-specific complications."
Peter Holran, vice-president for public relations and government affairs at Taser International, said police officers are trained to deploy tasers on parts of the body with large muscles, such as the front, back and legs.
Tasers come with a warning that clearly state they should not be used on sensitive areas, including the head, face and genitals, Mr. Holran said. However, because stun guns are often used in chaotic situations, accuracy can be difficult.
Although the company will take the findings into consideration, he cautioned the study involves only one person. |