Recognizing Sequelae of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Abstract

Abstract Carbon monoxide poisoning represents a frequent environmental hazard with protean presentations and potentially severe neuropsychological sequelae. In many cases, carbon monoxide is not identified as the cause of behavioral problems, and psychotherapy is initiated without recognition by either patient or therapist of the etiology of the underlying problem. Although the literature contains occasional case reports of neuropsychological findings with individuals following CO exposure, no referent data base of common findings on standardized measures is available. This paper describes neurocogni-tive and neurobehavioral findings for 15 individuals following CO exposure.