6 ms·

So there are two totally different definitions of neurotoxic used in the medical field?

• refurb 4y ago
  No, the scientific field uses it differently than the layman. Neurotoxic to a scientist means “can have negative impact to neuron function, whether temporary or permanent”. The layman thinks neurotoxic means “kills your brain cells”.
  • bowsamic 4y ago
    What makes you think any of us were using the lay definition?
    • refurb 4y ago
      Because if someone said “opioids are neurotoxic” from a scientific definition, it’s stating the obvious.
  • eurasiantiger 4y ago
    Both definitions are correct. From Wikipedia: > Neurotoxicity is a form of toxicity in which a biological, chemical, or physical agent produces an adverse effect on the structure or function of the central and/or peripheral nervous system. It occurs when exposure to a substance – specifically, a neurotoxin or neurotoxicant– alters the normal activity of the nervous system in such a way as to cause permanent or reversible damage to nervous tissue. Brain cells getting killed is a normal process, you could call it pruning. Cells grow back, you know!