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Recovery from central nervous system changes following volatile substance misuse
Kylie M Dingwall1, Sheree Cairney
1Menzies School of Health Research, Institute of Advanced Studies, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia. kylie.dingwall@menzies.edu.au
Substance Use & Misuse
|May 26, 2011
Summary
Volatile substance misuse (VSM) can cause cognitive and neurological impairments. Recovery is possible with abstinence, but severe cases like lead encephalopathy may result in permanent brain damage.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Toxicology
- Addiction Medicine
Background:
- Volatile substance misuse (VSM) is a global health concern.
- Understanding the central nervous system (CNS) recovery post-VSM is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review cognitive, neurological, and neuroanatomical recovery following VSM abstinence.
- To identify gaps in empirical research on CNS recovery from VSM.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of articles on functional or structural brain changes.
- Inclusion of longitudinal and cross-sectional studies comparing current and abstinent VSM users.
Main Results:
- A notable scarcity of empirical studies on CNS recovery from VSM was found.
- Cognitive and neurological impairments often follow a decline-recovery model, influenced by misuse duration, severity, lead levels, and abstinence duration.
- Severe neurotoxicity, such as lead encephalopathy from leaded petrol sniffing, can cause irreversible cerebellar damage.
Conclusions:
- Cognitive and neurological recovery from VSM is possible but varies based on substance and duration.
- Neuroanatomical damage may persist despite prolonged abstinence.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate CNS recovery mechanisms in VSM.
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