Mention one common symptom of exposure to nerve agents.

Mention one common symptom of exposure to nerve agents.

• A. Headache and dizziness
• B. Muscle twitching or convulsions
• C. Nausea and vomiting
• D. Dry mouth and fatigue

Answer: (B)

Muscle twitching or convulsions are key symptoms of exposure to nerve agents due to their action on the nervous system. Nerve agents inhibit the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, which is responsible for breaking down acetylcholine in the synaptic cleft. When this enzyme is inhibited, acetylcholine accumulates, leading to continuous stimulation of muscles and glands. This overstimulation can result in symptoms such as muscle twitching, spasms, and even convulsions, as the muscles become unable to relax properly due to the persistent signals being sent from the nerves. Other symptoms associated with nerve agent exposure may include respiratory issues, visual disturbances, and excessive secretions, but muscle twitching and convulsions specifically highlight the muscular and neurological dysfunction caused by these toxic agents.

Muscle twitching or convulsions are key symptoms of exposure to nerve agents due to their action on the nervous system. Nerve agents inhibit the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, which is responsible for breaking down acetylcholine in the synaptic cleft. When this enzyme is inhibited, acetylcholine accumulates, leading to continuous stimulation of muscles and glands. This overstimulation can result in symptoms such as muscle twitching, spasms, and even convulsions, as the muscles become unable to relax properly due to the persistent signals being sent from the nerves.

Other symptoms associated with nerve agent exposure may include respiratory issues, visual disturbances, and excessive secretions, but muscle twitching and convulsions specifically highlight the muscular and neurological dysfunction caused by these toxic agents.