Altered Mental Status: A Case Report of Toxic Leukoencephalopathy Following Heroin Exposure.

Abstract

: Toxic leukoencephalopathy is a rare illness that causes diffuse white matter destruction, and as a result may mimic psychiatric disorders. Multiple causes have been identified including nerve related injury from exposure to a toxin. When symptoms present, they typically improve after the offending agent is eliminated. However, the clinical presentation in this report is unique in that the syndrome got worse several weeks after the toxin was removed. Research indicates that supportive supplements and vitamins can be used to facilitate neurological recovery. This report outlines a case of toxic leukoencephalopathy following heroin overdose that was treated with vitamin supplementation.