Malaria Drug Linked to Brain Injury

An Army physician has asked Congress to support research on whether or not the malaria drug Lariam (mefloquine) can cause brain injuries.

Maj. Remington Nevin, an epidemiologist and preventive medicine expert, is asking Congress to fund such research following a study he conducted that found a sailor developed psychosis, confusion, short-term memory loss, and personality change after taking mefloquine. Nevin thinks that the drug caused lesions to form in the patient’s brain stem, according to the Army Times.

“Given our research commitments to post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injury … this observation calls for a similarly robust agenda into mefloquine neurotoxic brain injury to ensure that patients with these conditions are receiving accurate diagnoses and the very best medical care,” said Nevin.

He further said that although damage caused by a toxic dose of mefloquine cannot be reversed, he believes that research can help those who experienced brain damage, according to the Army Times.

If you or a loved one has been harmed by a dangerous drug, contact Sokolove Law for a free legal consultation and to find out if a dangerous drug lawyer may be able to help you. For legal help, call (800) 581-6358.

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