Solvent Neurotoxicity

SOLVENT NEUROTOXICITY

Solvent neurotoxicity is also referred to as chronic toxic encephalopathy (CTE) or “chronic painter’s disease”. It involves chronic solvent inhalation in painters and other workers who have unsteadiness, psychological disturbances, and headache. It is attributable to slow damage or accumulation of damage to the brain from solvents, which are by nature lipophilic.

CTE or chronic painter’s disease is a diagnosis of exclusion and is mainly a clinical diagnosis based on a history of chronic solvent exposure. Many of these individuals will improve after being removed from solvent exposure. MRI imaging can show decreased signaling in the basal ganglia but will not show brain atrophy. Psychological tests will show decreased ability to think clearly. These will be evident on psychometric testing. Solvents have an effect on working memory, processing speed, and attention. These is some evidence that some cognitive deficits do not entirely resolve themselves.