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Brain Injury caused by exposure to Toxins
Though not as common as other brain injuries, exposure to toxins can lead to a brain injury. There are nearly 1000 substances that have a possible neurotoxic effect. Exposure to any of these substances, either in the home or workplace, can cause neurological or brain problems.
A) Metals
- Lead is the most serious problem and lead exposure is most often found in developing children. Lead exposure can be linked to neurological deficits ranging from a wrist or foot drop to decreased motor speed and strength. Because federal standards that govern the minimum safe blood level of lead have been lowered, there is an increased risk that more children are being exposed to lead poisoning. Blood tests can be done to determine if there is exposure. Most children who are found to be suffering from lead poisoning were exposed through paint chips.
- Mercury poisoning can cause brain damage especially to the cerebellum, the basal ganglia and the visual centers of the occipital lobe. Mercury levels can be detected in the urine and are often associated with short term memory loss. Mercury exposure, which does not lead to death, can cause severe breathing problems, slow motor skills, clumsiness, tremors and mental dulling.
- Manganese is another metal linked to brain damage. This exposure is usually found in workers who have been exposed over a long period of time. Most symptoms to manganese exposure include drowsiness, dizziness, sleep disturbance with nightmares, clumsiness, trembling and difficulty in learning.
B) Solvents and Fuels
- Neurological problems have resulted from exposure to compounds found in glues, paints, and thinners. Initial exposure to solvents or fuels can result in headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and mental confusion. The substance, Toluene, a substance most often found in paint thinners, has been linked to long term neurological impairments like dementia, problems with balance and coordination, visual problems and brain atrophy
C) Pesticides
- There are a multitude of pesticides linked that cause neurotoxic problems for humans. Patients exposed to pesticides may experience headaches, blurred vision, slurred speech, and difficulty walking. Lung and organ failure can also occur. Exposure to pesticides usually comes through the breathing in of gases or the absorption of chemicals through the skin
D) Carbon Monoxide
- One of the most frequent types of toxic poisoning in the United States. Because carbon monoxide is not able to be detected in the atmosphere by human senses, most humans exposed to carbon monoxide will lose consciousness because of a lack of oxygen to the brain and die. Blood tests performed in the emergency centers can sometimes detect abnormal levels of carbon monoxide in the blood stream. Those who survive carbon monoxide poisoning often suffer from decreased mental abilities, have difficulty learning, and suffer from other neurological problems caused by the lack of oxygen (hypoxic injury) to the brain. The safe level of carbon monoxide is 10 parts per million.
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