What is neurotoxin?

neurotoxin is a substance that inhibits the function of neurons. Neurons are found throughout the brain and nervous system and the functions of these unique cells are critical to different tasks, from autonomous tasks of the nervous system, such as swallowing to the function of a higher level. Neurotoxins can work in different ways, with a danger that the exposure changes, depending on the neurotoxin and dose involved.

In some cases, neurotoxins simply severely damage neurons so that they cannot work. Others attack the signaling ability of neurons by blocking the leakage of various chemicals or interfering methods of receiving for such transmissions and sometimes neurons to send false signals. Neurotoxin can also completely destroy neurons.

The body actually generates some neurotoxins; For example, many neurotransmitters made to send messages across the nervous system can be dangerous in large quantities and sometimes the body produces neurotoxins because it responds to the threat to the immune system. NeurotoxinY are also present in large numbers in the natural environment; Some poison animals produce neurotoxins, while heavy metals such as lead are also neurotoxins. Neurotoxins are also used by some governments to control the crowd and warfare, in which case they are usually known as nervous agents.

exposure to neurotoxins can cause dizziness, nausea, engine driving, paralysis, vision problems, seizures and strokes. In extreme cases, the exposure results may include coma and possible death as the nervous system turns off. Especially when neurotoxin inhibits the function of the autonomic nervous system, the body begins to disintegrate rapidly because a number of important tasks are not performed.

In the case of acute exposure, someone is at once exposed to a dose of neurotoxin. Snake bite is an acute exposure. Chronic exposure includes slow exposure over time; Heavy metal poisoning often takes the form ofY chronic exposures, with the unconscious victim receives a small amount every day. The problem with heavy metals is that they build in the body rather than being excluded, so at some point the victim becomes ill.

For the treatment of neurotoxin exposure, a number of techniques can be used. Many focus on supportive care, performing tasks that the body does not do until the patient is stable. In these cases, the patient may recover, but he or she often experiences side effects related to exposure later in life. Sometimes chemicals can be used to block neurotoxin function or flush from the body. In other cases, there is no cure for exposure and the goal is to keep the patient comfort.