Neurobehavioral effects involve two main categories - cognitive decline, which includes memory problems and dementia, and neuropsychiatric disorders, referring to neurasthenia, a collection of symptoms including difficulty concentrating, headache, insomnia, fatigue, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, and suicide. Other central nervous system problems are associated with motor difficulties, characterized by issues such as weakness, tremors, involuntary movements, incoordination, and walking abnormalities.
In addition to brain injury or a brain illness, it is unclear what exactly is responsible for the development of neurobehavioral disorders. Most conditions in this category are most likely caused by a combination of biological, genetic, and environmental risk factors. However, exposure to toxic chemicals can also result in neurobehavioral effects, which is the case for many Camp Lejeune veterans and family members who drank contaminated water at the military base.
The 2009 National Research Council report on contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune found that there was limited/suggestive evidence of a connection between exposure to solvents and neurobehavioral effects. This conclusion was based on the 2003 Institute of Medicine report that had similarly found that there was limited/suggestive evidence of a link between "solvents and neurobehavioral effects." However, the term "neurobehavioral effects" was used in the National Research Council report to include such neurobehavioral symptoms as the following:
According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, exposure to low concentrations of trichloroethylene is associated with neurobehavioral deficits. Early research suggests that long-term, high-level solvent exposure might be linked to a syndrome of personality change, memory impairment, and neurological deficits that are known as chronic toxic encephalopathy, psycho-organic syndrome, or solvent neurotoxicity. Furthermore, according to a study from the Archives of Environmental & Occupational Health, prolonged exposure to low levels of organic solvents, which lurked in the drinking water at Camp Lejeune, was associated with adverse neurobehavioral effects among male printing workers.
Finally, a study from Neurotoxicology and Teratology suggests that short-duration exposure to solvents at even low concentrations can cause signs of mild toxicity, such as mucous membrane irritation, tearing, nasal irritation, headache, and nausea. With greater exposures, the adverse effects are more severe and can include intoxication, incoordination, exhilaration, sleepiness, stupor, and the beginning stages of anesthesia. Are you a Camp Lejeune veteran or a family member of one who struggles with neurobehavioral effects? If so, we advise you to get in touch with Atraxia Law, as we can easily help you determine whether you are eligible to file a claim and recover financial compensation for your suffering.
With over 35 years of experience in assessing toxic exposure claims, our team of professionals can provide you with the assistance you need if you were stationed at Camp Lejeune and developed neurobehavioral effects. The only documents we will need to evaluate your case are your military records or proof of your stay at the military base and your medical records. If you are eligible, we will direct you to a reliable attorney.