Glue sniffing neuropathy

Three young men are described in whom a severe, subacute, predominantly motor peripheral neuropathy resulted from the deliberate inhalation of glue vapour. Weakness began after several years of daily glue sniffing and was marked in proximal as well as distal muscles. Muscle wasting was prominent at the time of presentation. Deterioration continued for several weeks after glue sniffing ceased. Peripheral nerve conduction was markedly slow and there was extensive denervation in the muscles. Characteristic changes were seen on sural nerve biopsy. The habit of glue sniffing is now widespread amongst Australian adolescents and this factor should be considered when any young person presents with a peripheral neuropathy.