Neuroleptic neurotoxicity; electro-clinical aspects

The clinical signs of psychotropic drug-induced neurotoxicity can be based on different neurochemical actions. Patients presenting with neurotoxic signs such as epileptic phenomena and altered states of consciousness are represented. Predisposing factors, EEG and clinical data and electro-clinical correlations are discussed and related to age and the drugs involved. It appears that in young patients, electro-clinical syndromes exist differentiating early from late-onset cerebral reactions. In the elderly, signs of neurotoxicity usually show an early onset and particular electro-clinical features. Finally pathogenetic considerations are reviewed.