What are the long-term sequelae of cyanide toxicity?
In addition to cognitive disturbances from cerebral anoxia, survivors of cyanide poisoning may suffer disorders of the basal ganglia. A parkinsonian syndrome may become evident within days of exposure. Development of dystonia weeks or months after exposure has also been described. Dysarthria, oculomotor problems, and ataxia are other possible sequelae. Magnetic resonance imaging has revealed cavitation in the basal ganglia after cyanide poisoning. Unfortunately, in such cases, dopaminergic therapy with drugs such as levodopa is generally not efficacious.
