Encephalopathy, arsenic poisoning

After initial contradictory reports it is now established that arsenic can cross the blood-brain barrier and produces alternations in whole rat brain biogenic amines levels in animals chronically exposed to arsenite (Tripathi et al, 1997). The neurological effects are many and varied. Usually, peripheral neuropathy, sensory neuropathy (Hafeman et al, 2005), and encephalopathy are the initial complaints associated with acute arsenic poisoning. Acute exposure to arsenic in humans has been shown to result in problems of memory, difficulties in concentration, mental confusion, and anxiety (Hall, 2002 Rodriguez et al, 2003). Other neurological symptoms arising due to arsenic are primarily those of a peripheral sensory neuritis, predominantly numbness, severe paresthesia of the distal portion of the extremities, diminished sense of touch, pain, heat and cold, and symmetrically reduced muscle power (Menkes, 1997). 

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