Neurologic sequelae of chronic solvent vapor abuse.
Neurologic abnormalities were seen in 13 of 20 patients with a history of chronic solvent vapor (primarily toluene) abuse for 2 or more years. The patients were evaluated after an abstinence period of at least 4 weeks, to avoid neurologic effects of acute intoxication. Neurologic signs included cognitive (60%), pyramidal (50%), cerebellar (45%), and brainstem/cranial nerve (25%) findings. Eight of nine CTs revealed diffuse atrophy of cerebral hemispheres, cerebellum, and brainstem. BAERs were abnormal in three of four patients, and EEG abnormalities were seen in three of seven patients. Chronic exposure to solvent vapor may cause persistent neurologic impairment.
J T
JT
Hormes
C M
CM
Filley
N L
NL
Rosenberg
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001927:Brain Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000503:physiopathology; D001933:Brain Stem; D002526:Cerebellar Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000503:physiopathology; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced; D003389:Cranial Nerve Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012997:Solvents; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology; D014050:Toluene; D014992:Xylenes
D012997:Solvents; D014992:Xylenes; D014050:Toluene