Troubles mentaux organiques d'origine toxique

Abstract

Solvents are widespread in use and, due to their lipophilic properties, they can interfere with nerve cell function. This explains why they are the main compounds involved in chronic toxic encephalopathy. Whereas acute effects are clearly accepted in the scientific community, there has been some debate on their chronic toxicity. In the 70s, the first studies were published on chronic toxic encephalopathy (CTE) in Scandinavia. In the 80s, an international classification defined four stages of the disease, from organic affective syndrome to dementia. One difficulty in diagnosis is the lack of specificity and the lack of knowledge on the mechanisms involved, particularly the nature of solvents, the doses and the duration of exposure. The syndrome is characterized by mood changes, followed by memory and attention impairment, difficulty in concentration and learning capacity, and in a final stage by generalized deterioration of cortical function. Advanced stages of chronic toxic encephalopathy have a poor prognosis with limited reversibility at best.