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Semin Neurol 2004; 24(2): 185-196
DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-830906
Published 2004 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Nerve Agents: Pathophysiology and Treatment of Poisoning

Jonathan Newmark1
  • 1Chief, Operations, Chemical Casualty Care; Research Coordinator, Neuroprotection; Consultant to the US Army Surgeon General for Chemical Casualty Care; US Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland
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Publication History

Publication Date:
15 July 2004 (online)

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Nerve agents, the deadliest of the classical chemical warfare agents, primarily function as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and cause a rapidly progressive cholinergic crisis. Because of the speed of onset of the syndrome, treatment must be rendered emergently and will most likely be performed by first responders. Neurologists should be familiar with the pathophysiology and treatment of syndromes caused by nerve agents, not only to assist with the hospital care of these patients but also to serve as resources to their local medical communities in preparation for chemical terrorism.

KEYWORDS

Nerve agent - chemical warfare agent - cholinergic crisis - sarin - tabun - soman

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