Neurological Tests

As explained in detail in Chapter 6, there are important reasons to include neurological tests in safety assessments of new ingredients for infant formulas, including the sensitivity of 

TABLE 5-9 Endocrine Assessment Examples of Tests in Level 1 and Level 2 

Organ weight/histology (e.g., adrenals, ovaries, testes, pancreas, thyroid) 

NOTE The petitioner (or manufacturer), in consultation with the expert panel, determines which tests are required based on a thorough analysis of the potential effects of the new ingredient. 

Nutrients may have variable effects on the developing brain. Nutrient deficiencies may produce negative effects or may have no effect at all depending on the stage of brain 

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Diagnostic interview information revealed that a portion of his interest in PCP was an attempt to self-medicate headache pain. Notwithstanding the negative neurological test results, the conceptualization of the presenting problems based on NP test results helped formulate the direction and development of treatment goals and subsequent counseling efforts. Over the next several months,... 

Baloh RW, Spivey GH, Brown CP, et al. 1979. Subclinical effects of chronic increased lead absorption—a prospective study 11. Results of baseline neurologic testing. J Occup Med 21 490-496. 

Evaluation of workers occupationally exposed to sulfuryl fluoride found no effects attributable to exposure in a series of psychological and neurological tests compared with individuals with no history of exposure. ... 

No histological alterations were observed in the brains of rats exposed for 2 weeks to a dust of 4-nitrophenol sodium salt at concentrations of up to 2,119 mg 4-nitrophenol/m (Smith et al. 1988). Gross and histological examination of the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves of rats exposed to up to 30 mg 4-nitrophenol dust/m for 4 weeks revealed no treatment-related effects (Hazleton 1983). However, since neurological tests were not performed in these studies, reliable NOAELs for neurological effects cannot be determined. 

Hazleton 1989). However, since neurological tests were not performed, a reliable NOAEL for neurological effects cannot be determined. 

Application of 50-250 mg/kg/day of 4-nitrophenol to the skin of rats for 120 days had no effect on the weight or the gross and microscopic appearance of the brain (Angerhofer 1985). Information regarding the areas of the brain examined was not provided. However, since neurological tests were not performed, a reliable NOAEL for neurological effects cannot be determined. 

Merrill 1968 Stone et al. 1969 Woody et al. 1986) or animals (Army 1983a Burdette et al. 1988 Navy 1974b Schneider et al. 1977 von Oettingen et al. 1949), but seizures can be evoked by a large number of substances and disease states. Further neurological tests would be useful in identifying a sensitive biomarker for effects. 

Preliminary positive findings were reported in two neurologic tests (eye-blink and postural-sway tests) conducted as part of a recent Air Force human study. The subcommittee recommends that results from those two tests be validated with standard neurologic tests. 

A study was conducted to evaluate the potential interaction between tetrachloroethylene and ethanol, or tetrachloroethylene and diazepam (Stewart et al. 1977). Twelve healthy volunteers of each sex were exposed to 0, 25, or 100 ppm tetrachloroethylene vapor alone or in combination with either ethanol (0.0, 0.75, or 1.5 mL vodka/kg body weight) or diazepam (0, 6, or 10 mg/day). The subjects exhibited a decrement in performance of at least one of the behavioral or neurological tests while on either drug alone at the highest dose level, but no interaction with tetrachloroethylene resulting in additional test performance decrement could be demonstrated for either combination of solvent vapor and drug. 

Here is another big difference Alzheimer s is an unyielding and progressive disease. Symptoms always worsen over time. The symptoms of post-chemo brain do reverse, improve, or reach a plateau and remain constant. Also, as measured on objective neurological tests, the memory deficits of post-chemo brain are milder overall. 

Gross motor coordination can be assessed with standard clinical neurological tests, such as finger-to-nose, one-leg stand, and observation of gait, and by computerized body sway devices. Tremor can be assessed by observation using standardized rating scales, or with electronic devices (accelerometers). 

TourteUotte, W.W., Haerer, A.F., Simpson, J.F. et al. 1965. Quantitative clinical neurological testing 1. A study of a battery of tests designed to evaluate in part the neurologic function of patients with multiple sclerosis and its use in a therapeutic trial. Ann. NY Acad. Sci. 122 480. 

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