Neurologists Warn Regarding Increasing Cases of Neurotoxicity in Pakistan
Neurotoxicity is referred to as damage to the brain or peripheral nervous system. Caused by natural or man-made toxic substances. These poisons have the potential to disrupt or kill nerves by altering nervous system activity. The brain, as well as other parts of the nervous system, rely on nerves to convey and process information. This is why you need to take special care of your nervous system. Neurologists in Islamabad warn the nation regarding increasing amounts of neurotoxins. With industrialization, the number of toxic gasses and chemicals in the environment is increasing every day. This results in the induction of neurotoxins in your body.
Neurons are particularly vulnerable to neurotoxins because of their rapid metabolic rate. Oligodendrocytes, astrocytes, microglia, and capillary endothelium cells are next in order of danger. A neurotoxin’s chemical composition determines if it causes damage to the nervous system. It can be to specific organs or cellular constituents of the nervous system. Non-polar chemicals are more lipid-soluble and hence have easier access to neural tissue. As compared to polar ones, which are less lipid-soluble. The neurotransmitter impact, cellular membrane integrity, and the presence of detoxifying mechanisms all influence the body’s reaction to neurotoxins.
Substances that can be Neurotoxic
According to Neurologists following substances can cause neurotoxicity in humans:
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Chemotherapy drugs that are used to kill fast-growing cells
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Radiation
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Drug therapies or drugs of abuse
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Heavy metals such as mercury and lead
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Certain foods and food additives
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Insecticides/pesticides
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Cosmetics
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Industrial and cleaning solvents
The following are some examples of neurotoxic compounds. They have become prevalent in our environment and to which individuals find it difficult to avoid exposure:
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Mercury
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Cadmium
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Lead
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Insecticides
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Solvents
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Car exhaust
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Chlorine
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Formaldehyde
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Phenol
How Neurotoxins Affect Our Nervous System?
Some neurotoxic effects are noticeable right once, while others take months or years to show.
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The effects of neurotoxicity are determined by a variety of factors:
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Including the neurotoxin’s properties,
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The dose a person has been exposed to
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Toxin’s ability to metabolize and excrete it
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The ability of affected mechanisms and structures to recover
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The vulnerability of a cellular target.
Major symptoms of neurotoxicity include:
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Paralysis or weakness in the limbs
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Altered sensation, tingling, and numbness in the limbs
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Headache
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Vision loss
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Loss of memory and cognitive function
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Uncontrollable obsessive and/or compulsive behavior
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Behavioral problems
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Sexual dysfunction
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Depression
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Loss of circulation
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Imbalance
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Flu-like symptoms
Neurotoxicity can create several problems. Some of the most common ones are:
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Chronic fatigue syndrome
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Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
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Chronic sinusitis
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Asthma that does not respond to treatment
Autoimmune illnesses, such as irritable bowel syndrome or rheumatoid arthritis, have similar symptoms.
Oxygen radicals, beta-amyloid, and glutamate are examples of naturally occurring toxins. When in the brain these toxins can cause neurotoxicity. Neurotoxicity is a primary factor in progressive neurological illnesses such as Alzheimer’s disease. Besides producing mobility difficulties, cognitive impairment, and autonomic nervous system malfunction.
Diagnosis of Neurotoxicity
The nerve conduction test is the best way to see if the peripheral nervous system is affected. Some of the tests used by neurologists to diagnose Neurotoxicity are:
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Pupillography
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Computerized balance heart rate variability
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Brain imaging with the triple-camera SPECT system
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Neuropsychological testing
Treatment of Neurotoxicity
The elimination or decrease of the toxic chemical, as well as therapy to relieve symptoms or provide support, are the treatment options for neurotoxicity. Treatment may also include avoiding contaminants in the air, food, and water. Massage, exercise, and immunological modulation are just a few of the methods utilized to alleviate neurotoxicity.
Prognosis
Neurologists determine the severity of neurotoxicity by the duration and extent of toxic substance exposure, as well as the degree of neurological damage. In some situations, exposure to neurotoxins is lethal, while in others, patients survive but may not fully recover. In certain circumstances, the patient recovers entirely after treatment.