What causes Minamata disease?

Minamata disease is caused by severe mercury poisoning from eating contaminated fish and shellfish. Industrial wastewater containing methylmercury polluted coastal waters in Minamata, Japan, where it accumulated in seafood. When people consumed these contaminated fish over time, mercury built up in their bodies and damaged their nervous systems, leading to the devastating symptoms of this disease.

What is the best test for Minamata disease?

The Mercury Blood test is the most important test for Minamata disease because it directly measures mercury levels in your bloodstream and confirms mercury poisoning. High mercury concentrations in blood provide definitive evidence of the exposure causing your neurological symptoms. The Heavy Metals Panel, Random Urine test is also valuable as a supporting test because it shows how your body is eliminating mercury over time and can help monitor treatment progress alongside blood testing.

When should I get tested for Minamata disease?

You should get tested if you have consumed fish from potentially contaminated waters and experience symptoms like loss of coordination, numbness in your hands and feet, muscle weakness, narrowing vision, or speech problems. Testing is especially important if you live near industrial areas with mercury pollution or have regularly eaten large fish like tuna or swordfish from polluted regions. Early detection through blood testing helps prevent further neurological damage and guides treatment.

What are the symptoms of Minamata disease?

Minamata disease affects the nervous system and causes loss of coordination (ataxia), numbness and tingling in your hands and feet, muscle weakness, and difficulty walking. You might notice your vision narrowing like looking through a tunnel, along with problems hearing clearly and speaking properly. Severe cases can cause tremors, difficulty swallowing, and even paralysis. These symptoms develop gradually as mercury accumulates in your body and damages nerve cells in your brain and spinal cord.

Who is at risk for Minamata disease?

People who regularly consume fish and shellfish from mercury-contaminated waters are at highest risk for Minamata disease. Communities living near industrial facilities that discharge mercury waste, especially gold mining operations and chemical plants, face increased exposure. Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable because mercury crosses the placenta and can cause severe developmental problems in unborn babies. People who eat large predatory fish like tuna, swordfish, and shark frequently also have higher mercury exposure risk.

What happens if Minamata disease is left untreated?

Untreated Minamata disease leads to progressive and often irreversible neurological damage as mercury continues accumulating in your nervous system. The loss of coordination worsens, making walking and performing daily tasks increasingly difficult. Vision and hearing problems can become permanent, and muscle weakness may progress to paralysis. In severe cases, untreated mercury poisoning causes seizures, severe mental impairment, coma, and death. Early diagnosis through blood testing and stopping mercury exposure are critical to preventing permanent damage.

Can Minamata disease be diagnosed with a blood test?

Yes, Minamata disease can be diagnosed with a blood test that measures mercury levels in your bloodstream. The Mercury Blood test provides direct evidence of mercury poisoning by showing elevated mercury concentrations that correlate with neurological symptoms. Your doctor may also order a urine test to assess how your body eliminates mercury over time. These lab tests, combined with your symptoms and exposure history, confirm the diagnosis of Minamata disease and help determine the severity of poisoning.

How is Minamata disease treated?

Treatment for Minamata disease focuses on stopping mercury exposure immediately and removing mercury from your body through chelation therapy. Chelating agents like DMSA or DMPS bind to mercury in your bloodstream and help your kidneys eliminate it through urine. Supportive therapies including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy help manage symptoms and improve function. While treatment can stop further damage and reduce mercury levels, existing nerve damage is often permanent, making early detection through blood testing crucial for better outcomes.

How can I prevent Minamata disease?

You can prevent Minamata disease by avoiding fish and shellfish from waters known to be contaminated with mercury. Check local fish advisories before eating seafood from lakes, rivers, or coastal areas near industrial sites. Limit consumption of large predatory fish like shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish, which accumulate higher mercury levels. Pregnant women and young children should be especially cautious about fish consumption. If you work in industries using mercury, follow proper safety protocols and get regular blood testing to monitor mercury levels.

What natural remedies help with Minamata disease?

While natural remedies cannot replace medical treatment for Minamata disease, certain nutrients may support your body during recovery. Foods high in selenium like Brazil nuts and sunflower seeds may help bind mercury, while antioxidant-rich foods like berries and leafy greens support nerve health. Adequate hydration helps your kidneys eliminate toxins more effectively. Some people find cilantro and chlorella supplements helpful for detoxification, though scientific evidence is limited. Always consult your doctor before trying supplements, as proper medical treatment with chelation therapy and blood monitoring remains essential for mercury poisoning.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

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Minamata Disease Blood Test

Mercury Poisoning Blood Test (Minamata Disease)

What is Minamata Disease?

Minamata disease is a severe neurological syndrome that causes loss of coordination, numbness, and vision problems. It is caused by mercury poisoning from consuming contaminated fish and shellfish from polluted waters. The Mercury Blood test is the most important test for diagnosis because it directly measures mercury levels in the bloodstream.

Written by Private MD Labs Medical Team

Last updated: December 30, 2025

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

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