The term neurotoxicity refers to damage to the brain or peripheral nervous system caused by exposure to natural or man-made toxic substances. These toxins can alter the activity of the nervous system in ways that can disrupt or kill nerves.

1. Neurotoxicity
Neurotoxicity is a form of toxicity in which a biological, chemical,
or physical agent produces an adverse effect on the structure or
function of the central and/or peripheral nervous system.
 It occurs when exposure to substance – specifically, aneurotoxin
– alters the normal activity of the nervous system in such a way as
to cause permanent or reversible damage to nervous tissue.
This can eventually disrupt or even kill neurons, which are cells
that transmitand process signals in the brain and otherparts of
the nervous system.
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2. Causes
Neurotoxicity can result from
 organ transplants,
 radiation treatment,
 certain drug therapies (e.g., substances used in chemotherapy),
recreational drug use,
 and exposure to heavy metals, pesticides,
 certain industrial cleaning solvents,
 certain naturally occurring substances.

3. Symptoms
Symptoms may appear immediately after exposure or be delayed.
 They may include
 limb weakness or numbness,
 loss of memory,
 vision, and/or intellect,
 uncontrollable obsessive and/or compulsive behaviors,
 delusions,
 headache,
 cognitive and behavioral problems
 sexual dysfunction.
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4.  The presence of neurocognitive deficits alone is not usually
considered sufficient evidence of neurotoxicity, as many substances
may impair neurocognitive performance without resulting in the
death of neurons.
 In some cases the level or exposure-time may be critical, with
some substances only becoming neurotoxic in certain doses or time
periods.
 Some of the most common naturally occurring brain toxins that lead
to neurotoxicity as a result of excessive drug use are beta amyloid
(Aβ), glutamate, dopamine, and oxygen radicals. When present in
high concentrations, they can lead to neurotoxicity and death
(apoptosis).
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5. Some of the symptoms that result from cell death include
 loss of motor control,
 cognitive deterioration and autonomic nervous system dysfunction.
 neurotoxicity has been found to be a major cause of
neurodegenerative diseases such asAlzheimer's disease (AD).
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