Mothball Mayhem: Relapsing Toxic Leukoencephalopathy due to p-Dichlorobenzene Neurotoxicity

Abstract

Letters3 March 2009Mothball Mayhem: Relapsing Toxic Leukoencephalopathy due to p-Dichlorobenzene NeurotoxicityNeeraj Kumar, MD, Lowell C. Dale, MD, and Eelco F.M. Wijdicks, MDNeeraj Kumar, MDFrom Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905.Search for more papers by this author, Lowell C. Dale, MDFrom Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905.Search for more papers by this author, and Eelco F.M. Wijdicks, MDFrom Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905.Search for more papers by this authorAuthor, Article, and Disclosure Informationhttps://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-150-5-200903030-00025 SectionsAboutFull TextPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissions ShareFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditEmail Background: Aromatic hydrocarbons (such as toluene, n-hexane, and methyl butyl ketone) are volatile, lipid-soluble compounds found in various household and commercial products, such as aerosols, cleaning fluids, paints, and fuels. These substances are not identified as recreational drugs, but they are readily available and are commonly abused by sniffing (nasal inhalation) or huffing (oral inhalation). Symptoms due to inhalant abuse are similar to those resulting from central nervous system depressants, such as alcohol.Because of its much lesser toxicity, p-dichlorobenzene (PDB) has replaced naphthalene as the primary component of mothballs. Both compounds have abuse potential. Inhalation and dermal absorptions are ...