Neuroimaging, Cognitive, and Neurobehavioral Outcomes Following Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Abstract

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas produced as a byproduct of combustion. Carbon monoxide is the leading cause of poisoning injury and death worldwide. Morbidity following CO poisoning includes neurologic sequelae, neuropathologic abnormalities on brain imaging, neurobehavioral changes, and cognitive impairments. It is estimated that as high as 50% of individuals with carbon monoxide poisoning will develop neurologic, neurobehavioral, or cognitive sequelae. Carbon monoxide related cognitive impairments included impaired memory, attention, executive function, motor, visual spatial, and slow mental processing speed. Given the high rate of brain related morbidity and the fact that the majority of carbon monoxide is avoidable, awareness and prevention of carbon monoxide poisoning is warranted.