Chemical Agents of Opportunity for Terrorism: TICs & TIMs

Chemical Agents of Opportunity for Terrorism
Training Support Package
Participant Guide
Slide 45
Chemical Agents of Opportunity for Terrorism:
TICs & TIMs
Concluding Thoughts
• The CNS is a unique target organ for terrorism
• Limited number of acute clinical consequences
• Management is generally symptomatic although
“antidotes” may be available for certain agents.
Module Two - The Clinical Neurotoxicology of Chemical Terrorism
45
In conclusion, the central nervous system is a unique target for terrorism and there are
many historical examples of its use to create social panic and fear. The use of
neurotoxins as agents of terrorism however, will result in a limited number of acute
clinical syndromes. Management of these syndromes is predominately symptomatic
although antidotes may be available for certain agents.
Global brain function can be altered in a limited number of ways (inhibition leading to
sedation and coma; excitation leading to agitation and seizures; and altered thought
processes leading to hallucinations and delirium). Recognizing these major toxidromes
will allow better assessment of the chemical class(es) involved and allow appropriate
treatment to be initiated.
December 2008 Version 2.0 Page 116