IJN_202

Abstract

The fourth issue of Volume 11 of the International Journal of Neurology (1978) was dedicated to toxic diseases of the nervous system. It opened with an editorial and gathered a series of experimental, clinical, and historical studies addressing neurotoxic syndromes, their mechanisms, and management.

The volume included a detailed report on n-hexane polyneuropathy (Sobue, Iida, Yamamura, and Takayanagui), outlining the industrial exposure risks and clinical manifestations of peripheral nerve damage. Georg W. Klinghardt contributed an experimental and clinical analysis of chloroquine neurotoxicity, highlighting pathological changes associated with prolonged drug use. L. M. Popova presented a study on respiratory reanimation in severe cases of botulism, offering insights into emergency management of neurotoxin-induced paralysis.

Other contributions examined toxic delirium and epilepsy as disturbances of inhibitory neural mechanisms (Levy and Gallagher), and neurological toxicity related to antianginal treatments such as perhexiline maleate and amiotriptadine hydrochloride (Bady et al.). Dewey K. Ziegler provided a comprehensive review of diphenylhydantoin (phenytoin) neurotoxicity, summarizing its side effects and long-term neurological impact.

The issue also featured essays on teaching neurology (DeJong), a History of Medicine piece revisiting Dax’s Law (Critchley), and a reflective article titled “On Vacation” by Víctor Soriano. It concluded with news and book reviews.

This volume illustrated the growing importance of neurotoxicology as a field within neurology, bridging occupational medicine, pharmacology, and clinical