Clinical and Laboratory Evaluation of Patients Exposed to Neurotoxicants

Abstract

For clinicians, toxicologists, and behavioral scientists, the steady contamination of the environment poses dynamic challenges for accurate diagnosis and evaluation of toxic exposure. The purpose of the neurotoxic evaluation is to determine the level of damage a toxic substance has caused to the biochemistry, physiology, and morphology of the central, peripheral, and autonomic nervous systems. A complete clinical neurotoxicologic assessment hinges on a thorough medical and occupational history, physical examination findings, and specific neurologic and neuropsychologic tests as well as laboratory evaluation.