Chemical Agents of Opportunity for Terrorism: TICs & TIMs

Chemical Agents of Opportunity for Terrorism
Training Support Package
Participant Guide
Slide 26
In coma, enhancement of inhibition is the predominant cause of depressed mental
status. In seizure/convulsion it is inhibition of inhibition that is most important.
Remember that different neurotransmitters can either cause excitation (glutamate), or
inhibition (GABA). Any change that tips the balance in favor of excitation can produce
convulsions/seizures. This can occur by increasing excitatory neurotransmitters, or by
decreasing the levels of inhibitory neurotransmitters. The most common toxin-induced
seizures are triggered by decreasing the levels of inhibitory neurotransmitters.
December 2008 Version 2.0 Page 94