Neuroterrorism Preparedness for the Neurohospitalist

Abstract

In this review article, we highlight several potential biologic and chemical agents of "neuroterrorism" of which neurohospitalists should be aware: anthrax, botulism toxin, brucella, plague, smallpox, organophosphates and nerve agents, cyanide, and carfentanil. Such agents may have direct neurologic effects, resulting in encephalopathy, paralysis, and/or respiratory failure. Neurohospitalists should be on the lookout for abnormal neurologic syndrome clustering, especially among patients presenting to the emergency department. If use of such a "neuroterrorism" agent is suspected, the neurohospitalist should immediately consult with emergency department personnel, infection control, infectious disease physicians, and/or Poison Control to make sure the scene is safe and to stabilize and isolate patients if necessary. The neurohospitalist should also immediately contact their local and/or state health department (or alternatively the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Emergency Operations Center) to report their suspicions and to obtain guidance and assistance.

Keywords: anthrax; bioterrorism; botulism; brucellosis; carfentanil; cyanide; nerve agents; neurohospitalist; neurologist; neuroterrorism; organophosphates; plague; preparedness; smallpox; terrorism.