Neurotoxic
Definition
A poison whose primary target is nervous tissue. Subdivided by site of action into cerebral (alcohol, opioids), spinal (strychnine, gelsemium) and peripheral (curare, atropine from Datura).
Related terms
- Asphyxiant
- A poison that interferes with oxygen delivery or use. Simple asphyxiants (CO2, methane) displace oxygen; chemical asphyxiants (CO, HCN, H2S) block haemoglobin...
- Corrosive
- A poison that destroys tissue at the point of contact by acid, alkali or oxidising action. Concentrated H2SO4, HCl, HNO3 and NaOH...
- Irritant
- A poison that inflames mucous membranes and gut lining without dissolving them outright. Includes inorganic irritants (arsenic, antimony, copper sulphate, phosphorus) and...
- Manner of Poisoning
- The medico-legal label for how the poison reached the victim: accidental, suicidal or homicidal. Decided by the IO and the magistrate, not...
- Poison
- Paracelsus framed the working definition in 1538 as 'sola dosis facit venenum', the dose alone makes the poison. Any substance, including water...
Explained in
- Classification of Poisons by Origin, Action and Chemical NatureA poison whose primary target is nervous tissue. Subdivided by site of action into cerebral (alcohol, opioids), spinal (strychnine, gelsemium) and peripheral (...