Cerebellar dysfunction related to toluene sniffing

Abstract

Few cases with prolonged cerebellar symptoms after toluene sniffing were previously reported. An 18 yr old female who inhaled pure toluene since the age of 12 is described. She developed neurological symptoms with broad-based ataxic gait, incoordination of arms and legs, unsteadiness, dysarthria, downbeat nystagmus, bilateral positive Babinski sign and poor concentration and abstracting ability. During her 5 wk in hospital when she did not inhale toluene, her symptoms persisted but decreased and after 8 mo. had disappeared.