Methylmercury poisoning

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Central nervous system

Minamata Bay disease; Basra poison grain poisoning

Methylmercury damage is irreversible. Treatment is determined by the severity of the condition and is similar to that given for cerebral palsy. The patient should be removed from the source of exposure. Treatment may involve:

• Activated charcoal (if mercury is swallowed)
• Fluids and electrolytes
• Dialysis (kidney machine)

The symptoms are irreversible; however, they do not usually worsen unless there is a new exposure to methylmercury.

Complications depend on the severity of the condition, and the specific symptoms manifested (such as blindness or deafness).

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Methylmercury poisoning has been linked to an increased heart attack rate.

The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.

This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the United States use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Take the container with you to the hospital, if possible.

See: Poison control center - emergency number

Review Date: 01/14/2010
Reviewed By: Jacob L. Heller, MD, MHA, Emergency Medicine, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).