Neurological aspects of biological and chemical terrorism: A review for neurologists

Coleman O MARTIN; Harold P ADAMS

doi:10.1001/archneur.60.1.21

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Neurological aspects of biological and chemical terrorism: A review for neurologists

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

Neurological aspects of biological and chemical terrorism: A review for neurologists

Coleman O MARTIN and Harold P ADAMS

Archives of neurology (Chicago), Vol.60(1), pp.21-25

2003

DOI: 10.1001/archneur.60.1.21

PMID: 12533084

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Abstract

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention urge physicians to become familiar with chemical and biological weapons. Preparedness among neurologists is especially important because several of these agents affect the nervous system. This article reviews 4 agents that have a history of military or terrorist use: cyanide poisons, organophosphate poisons, botulinum toxin, and anthrax. Cyanide and organophosphate poisons are characterized by dose-dependent impairment of neurological function with nonspecific symptoms such as headache or dizziness at one end of the spectrum and convulsions and coma at the other. Neurological examinations help clinicians to differentiate these agents from other intoxications. Botulinum toxin has a delayed onset of action and results in descending paralysis and prominent cranial nerve palsies. Anthrax frequently causes fulminating hemorrhagic meningitis. Early recognition of these chemical and biological weapons is key to instituting specific therapy and preventing casualties within the health care team and the community at large.

Toxicology

Infectious Diseases

Bacterial diseases

Human bacterial diseases

Bacterial diseases of the nervous system. Bacterial myositis

Various organic compounds

Biological and medical sciences

Medical sciences

Chemical and industrial products toxicology. Toxic occupational diseases

Details

Title: Subtitle: Neurological aspects of biological and chemical terrorism: A review for neurologists
Creators: Coleman O MARTIN - Department of Neurology, University of Iowa College of Medicine, Iowa City, United States
Harold P ADAMS - Department of Neurology, University of Iowa College of Medicine, Iowa City, United States
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Archives of neurology (Chicago), Vol.60(1), pp.21-25
DOI: 10.1001/archneur.60.1.21
PMID: 12533084
NLM abbreviation: Arch Neurol
ISSN: 0003-9942
eISSN: 1538-3687
Publisher: American Medical Association; Chicago, IL
Language: English
Date published: 2003
Academic Unit: Neurology; Iowa Neuroscience Institute
Record Identifier: 9984020990202771

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