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Related Concept Videos

Local Anesthetics: Adverse Effects01:12

Local Anesthetics: Adverse Effects

While local anesthetics are generally safe and well-tolerated, they can occasionally cause adverse effects that vary in severity. Local anesthetics can induce toxicity at two distinct levels. They can either produce local effects through direct contact with the neural elements or be absorbed into the bloodstream from the injection site, leading to systemic effects.
Once absorbed into the systemic circulation, local anesthetics can affect the organs that depend on the functioning of sodium...
Botulism01:22

Botulism

Botulism is a life-threatening neuroparalytic condition caused by botulinum neurotoxin, which is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, a Gram-positive, spore-forming, obligate anaerobe.In adults, the toxin enters the body in different ways: in foodborne botulism, the preformed toxin is absorbed in the intestine. In wound botulism, spores grow in injured tissue and release the toxin into the blood. Infant botulism differs mechanistically from adult forms. In infants, botulism commonly...
Anticholinesterase Agents: Poisoning and Treatment01:26

Anticholinesterase Agents: Poisoning and Treatment

Anticholinesterases, also known as cholinesterase inhibitors, work by blocking the breakdown of acetylcholine, leading to its accumulation in the synaptic cleft. This accumulation indirectly enhances both muscarinic and nicotinic actions. These agents are classified as reversible or irreversible based on their mechanism of action.     
Irreversible agents form a strong bond with the cholinesterase enzyme, making it inactive. The breakdown of the phosphorylated enzyme is slower than the...
Diphtheria01:28

Diphtheria

Diphtheria is an acute, toxin-mediated infectious disease that primarily affects the upper respiratory tract. It is caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, a Gram-positive, pleomorphic rod that lacks spore-forming capability and exhibits a characteristic club-shaped morphology under microscopic examination. While C. diphtheriae can asymptomatically colonize mucosal surfaces, clinical disease manifests only when the bacterial strain is lysogenized by a specific β-corynephage. This phage...
Prevention of Further Absorption of Poison01:14

Prevention of Further Absorption of Poison

In cases of acute poisoning, the primary objective is to prevent further absorption of the toxic substance into the body. Immediate interventions using various decontamination techniques targeting the gastrointestinal (GI) tract can achieve this. Decontamination is crucial to prevent poison from entering the systemic circulation, which involves washing affected areas with water and mild soap and removing contaminated clothing. Once external decontamination is done, attention must be turned to...
Hepatic Encephalopathy01:29

Hepatic Encephalopathy

DefinitionHepatic encephalopathy is a reversible neurologic syndrome that results from advanced liver dysfunction or portosystemic shunting. It leads to disturbances in cognition, behavior, and motor function due to the brain’s exposure to gut-derived toxins that the liver fails to detoxify.EtiologyThis condition develops either in the setting of acute fulminant hepatitis or progressively during chronic liver disease, such as cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Portosystemic shunting—including...

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Updated: May 30, 2026

Functional Evaluation of Biological Neurotoxins in Networked Cultures of Stem Cell-derived Central Nervous System Neurons
15:05

Functional Evaluation of Biological Neurotoxins in Networked Cultures of Stem Cell-derived Central Nervous System Neurons

Published on: February 5, 2015

Neurotoxic emergencies.

J Dave Barry1, Brandon K Wills

  • 1Emergency Medicine Residency Program, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, Portsmouth, VA, USA. James.barry@med.navy.mil

Neurologic Clinics
|August 2, 2011
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Neurotoxic emergencies involve rapid nervous system dysfunction from external substances (xenobiotics). This review covers seizures, altered mental status, and peripheral agents, focusing on neurotransmitter involvement.

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Nerve Excitability Assessment in Chemotherapy-induced Neurotoxicity
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Nerve Excitability Assessment in Chemotherapy-induced Neurotoxicity

Published on: April 26, 2012

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Functional Evaluation of Biological Neurotoxins in Networked Cultures of Stem Cell-derived Central Nervous System Neurons
15:05

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Published on: February 5, 2015

Nerve Excitability Assessment in Chemotherapy-induced Neurotoxicity
07:42

Nerve Excitability Assessment in Chemotherapy-induced Neurotoxicity

Published on: April 26, 2012

Area of Science:

  • Toxicology
  • Neuroscience
  • Emergency Medicine

Background:

  • Neurotoxic emergencies are critical disruptions of nervous system function.
  • These events are caused by xenobiotics acting rapidly.
  • Understanding these emergencies is vital for prompt medical intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the four main categories of neurotoxic emergencies.
  • To discuss specific xenobiotics at the forefront of neurotoxicology.
  • To analyze the role of major neurotransmitters in these emergencies.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of neurotoxic emergencies.
  • Categorization based on clinical presentation (seizures, mental status changes, peripheral effects).
  • Detailed discussion of selected xenobiotics and their mechanisms.

Main Results:

  • Four primary categories of neurotoxic emergencies were identified: drug/toxin-induced seizures, acute depressed mental status, acute excited mental status, and peripheral neurotoxic agents.
  • Specific xenobiotics were analyzed, highlighting their impact on neurotransmitter systems.
  • The review provides a framework for understanding diverse neurotoxic presentations.

Conclusions:

  • Neurotoxic emergencies necessitate rapid diagnosis and management.
  • Understanding the neurochemical basis, particularly neurotransmitter involvement, is key to effective treatment.
  • This review offers a comprehensive overview for clinicians managing these critical conditions.