LAB TEST
Methylmercury poisoning
Methylmercury poisoning is brain and nervous system damage from the chemical methylmercury. This article is for information only. Do not use it to treat or manage an actual poison exposure. If you or someone you are with has an exposure, call your local emergency number (such as 911), or the local poison control center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States.
Poisonous Ingredient
Methylmercury
Where Found
Methylmercury is a type of mercury, a metal that is liquid at room temperature. A nickname for mercury is quicksilver. Most compounds containing mercury are poisonous. Methylmercury is a very poisonous form of mercury. It forms when bacteria react with mercury in water, soil, or plants. It was used to preserve grain…
Symptoms
Symptoms of methylmercury poisoning include: Blindness Cerebral palsy (in the child of a pregnant woman exposed to methylmercury) Deafness Growth problems Impaired mental functioning Lung function impairment Movement or coordination problems Seizures Small head (microcephaly) Unborn babies and infants are very…
Before Calling Emergency
Have this information ready: Person's age, weight, and condition (for example, is the person awake and alert?) Source of the mercury Time it was swallowed, inhaled, or touched Amount swallowed, inhaled, or touched Do not delay calling for help if you do not know the above information.
Poison Control
Your local poison control center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions. This is a free and confidential service. All…
What to Expect at the Emergency Room
The provider will measure and monitor the person's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Tests that may be done include: Blood and urine tests Chest x-ray ECG (electrocardiogram) or heart tracing Treatment may include: Activated charcoal by mouth or tube through the nose into…
Outlook (Prognosis)
The symptoms cannot be reversed. However, they do not usually get worse unless there is a new exposure to methylmercury, or the person is still exposed to the original source. Prevention of continued exposure to mercury is the most important part of treatment. Complications depend on how severe a person's condition…
References
Pizzorno JE, Crinnion W. Environmental medicine. In: Pizzorno JE, Murray MT, eds. Textbook of Natural Medicine . 5th ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2021:chap 35. Smith SA. Acquired peripheral neuropathies. In: Swaiman KF, Ashwal S, Ferriero DM, et al, eds. Swaiman's Pediatric Neurology: Principles and Practice . 6th ed.…
This is a summary. Read the full article at www.ucsfbenioffchildrens.org (reviewed 01/04/2023).
This page is general information and is not medical advice. It does not replace a registered doctor, and it is not a prescription or a recommendation to use any medicine or test. Prices are listed prices and may change. Always follow the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.