Radiation as a nervous system toxin

Neurotoxicity from radiation can range widely and produce effects that may include (1) small absolute increases in cancer risks, (2) subtle effects on higher level functioning in some individuals, (3) severe cognitive impairment in some individuals, (4) severe focal injury that may include necrosis or irreversible loss of function, and (5) overwhelming and rapidly fatal diffuse injury associated with high-dose, whole-body exposures. An understanding of the implications of nervous system exposure to radiation can guide efforts in radiation protection and aid in the optimization of the medical uses of radiation.