Rehabilitation in an individual with chronic arsenic poisoning: medical, psychological, and social implications.
Although arsenic poisoning was a common cause of homicide in the past, it is seldom suspected today; thus there may be serious delays in diagnosis and treatment of arsenic ingestion. Rehabilitation specialists have traditionally dealt with the debilitating consequences of the classic arsenic-induced sensorimotor peripheral neuropathy; however, a knowledge of the presentation of acute toxicity combined with the effects of chronic exposure is essential for proper treatment, particularly in the event of ongoing exposure. This case report demonstrates the wide spectrum of medical complications associated with arsenic poisoning and briefly reviews its pathophysiology and treatment from both the medical and psychosocial perspective.
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of South Carolina Medical School, Charleston 29425, USA.
T L
TL
McFall
J S
JS
Richards
G
G
Matthews
D000328:Adult; D020261:Arsenic Poisoning; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003711:Demyelinating Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009460:Neurologic Examination / Q000187:drug effects; D010348:Patient Care Team; D010523:Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D011041:Poisoning / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D011782:Quadriplegia / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D012637:Security Measures