Doctors accused of improperly diagnosing teen with metal toxicity

The Medical Council is considering allegations that two doctors improperly diagnosed a teen with allergies and heavy-metal toxicity, and prescribed unnecessary treatment.

The allegations were against orthopaedist Dr Michael Yeung Lok-yin and paediatrician Dr Lillian Ko Yang Yang, who treated teenager Patient X in 2005.

Patient X's mother, Madame A, said her son had been threatened with expulsion by his school over a suspected behavioural disorder.

After inconclusive meetings with school psychologists, Madame A found information online on linkages between behavioural problems and metal toxicity. She approached Yeung, hoping for proof Patient X had special needs due to his illness and should not be expelled.

Madame A said Yeung diagnosed her son with "multiple allergies syndrome" without any tests, and with heavy metal toxicity via hair analysis only. Yeung referred him to Ko. Ko also diagnosed metal toxicity, and suggested a one-year detoxification plan for the teen, along with visual therapy from Ko's husband, also a medical practitioner.

The disciplinary inquiry continues on Thursday.