Controversies in neurotoxicology - Current status

Several controversial neurotoxic syndromes have received notoriety in the p ast several decades. Fdr each, the controversy involves the most fundamenta l question about the existence of the disorder as a clinically diagnosable entity. Interestingly, the most controversial of these syndromes share seve ral features, including argument about the existence of each syndrome in th e courtroom. The authors focus their discussion on three problems (painter' s encephalopathy, silicone breast implant neurotoxicity, and the Gulf War s yndrome) for which no scientific consensus has been reached that would esta blish them as diagnosable disorders. These syndromes do not meet traditiona l disease criteria, and until a clear set of symptoms and objective signs c an be defined, a definite course and clear cause demonstrated, and specific tests and treatments identified, these syndromes are likely to remain high ly controversial.