Toxic agents

Abstract

Cerebellum is vulnerable to intoxication and poisoning, especially in elderly patients and patients presenting structural lesions. The most common toxic agent is ethanol. Cerebellotoxic drugs include anti-epileptics, antineoplastics, lithium salts and heroin. Regarding environmental factors, chronic exposure to heavy metals, benzene derivatives and hyperthermia cause a cerebellar syndrome. Cerebellotoxicity should be listed in the differential diagnosis of cerebellar ataxia of unknown origin.