[Behavioral-cognitive disorders due to chronic exposure to industrial and environmental toxic substances].
A review of neurotoxics is made, given the low tendency to investigate for chronic exposure to environmental and industrial potential central nervous system toxic substances (heavy metals, insecticides, organic solvents and carbon monoxide) in the history of a patient consulting for behavioral - cognitive complains, and considering the potential overturn of the disease if a correct diagnosis and early treatment is made.


OBJECTIVE
to determine the onset of the cognitive - behavioral features, presentation pattern, diagnosis and treatment of such neurotoxics (NT).


METHODS
systematized search in Cochrane and Medline reviews, Embase and Lilacs.


RESULTS
chronic exposure to neurotoxics can produce personality changes (sleeping problems, excitation, depression, delusions and hallucinations) as well as cognitive problems (memory, learning, language and cognitive reaction problems). NT may cause changes in the neuron morphology and its sub cellular structures, affecting its normal biochemistry and physiology (proteins and neurotransmitters synthesis). The clinical history, diagnosis and treatment of each neurotoxic are discussed.


CONCLUSIONS
The NT must be taken in consideration among the possible different etiologies when a patient with a bizarre behavioral cognitive syndrome is examined.
Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina. camangone@fibertel.com.ar
Carlos A
CA
Mangone
Osvaldo
O
Genovese
Carlos
C
Abel
D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000188:drug therapy; D003663:Decision Trees; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000188:drug therapy; D020258:Neurotoxicity Syndromes / Q000209:etiology*; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000188:drug therapy; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires