Bioterrorism and the nervous system.

Recent events of war, terrorist attacks, and mail-borne anthrax exposure have produced increasing awareness of potential bioterrorism attacks in the United States and other parts of the world. Physicians and healthcare personnel play a key role in identifying potential bioterrorist attacks. Early recognition and preparedness for bioterrorism-associated illnesses is especially important for neurologists because most bioterrorism agents can directly or indirectly affect the nervous system. This article reviews the neurologic manifestations, diagnosis, and treatments of syndromes caused by potential bioterrorism agents, as well as the potential side effects of vaccines against some of these agents.