Exposure to an organic solvent can result in neurotoxicity. This can be classified using criteria from NIOSH/CDC.
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Severity of the Neurotoxicity
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Clinical Diagnosis
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Type (International Solvent Workshop)
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minimal
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organic affective syndrome
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Type 1
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moderate
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mild chronic toxic encephalopathy
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Type 2A or 2B
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severe
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severe chronic toxic encephalopathy
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Type 3
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Features of the organic affective syndrome:
(1) fatigue
(2) memory impairment
(3) irritability
(4) difficulty concentrating
(5) mild mood disturbance
Features of Type 2A:
(1) symptoms of neurotoxicity
(2) abnormal performance on neuropsychological testing
(3) sustained personality or mood changes
Features of Type 2B:
(1) symptoms of neurotoxicity
(2) abnormal performance on neuropsychological testing
(3) impairment in intellectual function (memory, learning, concentration)
Features of Type 3:
(1) global deterioration in intellect
(2) dementia
(3) may be irreversible
Type 3 is typically seen in persons who abuse solvents repeatedly over a period of time.
