View source for Toxic leukoencephalopathy

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'''Toxic leukoencephalopathy''' or '''toxic spongiform leukoencephalopathy''' is a  condition that is characterized by progressive damage (-pathy), of the [[white matter]] (leuko-) of the [[brain]] (-encephalo-) due to ingested [[toxin]]s (toxic).

It is seen in some people who ingest [[heroin]] by route of smoking (chasing the dragon). It is currently unknown by what means the smoking of [[heroin]] causes the condition.

Toxic leukoencephalopathy affects white matter tracts devoted to higher cerebral function, causing clinical features that range from inattention, forgetfulness, and changes in personality to [[dementia]], [[coma]], and death.<ref>http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/short/345/6/425</ref>  

Obvious signs of the condition are difficulty with cognitive function and [[equilibrioception]].

==References==
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==External links==
*[http://www.cmaj.ca/cgi/content/full/162/2/236 Chasing the dragon - neurological toxicity associated with inhalation of heroin vapour: case report]
*[http://www.angelfire.com/retro/michaelpoon168/heroin%20spongiform_leukoencephalopathy.htm Spongiform leukoencephalopathy after heroin abuse]


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[[Category:Heroin]]
[[Category:Neurological disorders]]
[[Category:Drugs]]
[[Category:Signs and symptoms]]