Human exposure to naturally occurring marine toxins has been
associated with a range of neurobehavioral abnormalities. The toxins are
produced by harmful algal blooms (HABs) and are typically contracted
through seafood consumption. The primary target of many of the HAB toxins
is the neurologic system, and the neurobehavioral symptoms associated with
the HAB illnesses have influenced public health policy. The HAB-related
illnesses most frequently linked to neuropsychological disturbance are
Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning, Ciguatera Fish Poisoning, and Possible
Estuarine Associated Syndrome, which is associated with exposure to the
Pfiesteria piscicida organism. Although the neurophysiologic
mechanisms underlying many of the HAB illnesses have been well delineated,
the literature examining the neuropsychological impairments is unclear and
needs to be defined. This review is intended to introduce an emerging area
of study linking HAB illnesses with neuropsychological changes.
(JINS, 2005, 11, 331–338.)