There is mounting evidence that toxins from one or varying mold exposures can cause seizure disorders. In 2023 I initally blogged on this topic. The content highlights the health risks associated with exposure to toxic mold, particularly its link to neurological symptoms such as seizures. It explains how mold spores, when inhaled, ingested, or make skin contact, release harmful mycotoxins that can adversely affect the brain and nervous system. The key takeaway is the potential for these mycotoxins to disrupt neurotransmitter levels in the brain, thereby contributing to the occurrence of seizures. This information underscores the importance of addressing mold issues in indoor environments to protect neurological health.
In order to adequately identify if the client is holding on to mold toxicity and to help decipher which toxins for targeted therapy, a mycotoxin test is warranted. Mosaic Diagnostics offers an excellent report based on the urine sample provided and processed. You can review a sample report here. The report shows multiple systems neurological, immunology, oxidative stress, kidneys, reproductive organs and gastrointestinal function that are affected by the presence of mycotoxins. To be more specific here are references in how mycotoxins in varying forms can cause seizures:
Aflatoxins: this article discusses the neurotoxic effects of Aflatoxins B1 (AFB1), primarily produced by the fungi Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus. It highlights AFB1’s widespread presence in food products and human biological fluids, including urine and breast milk. The review emphasizes the compound’s ability to breach the blood-brain barrier, leading to severe neurological symptoms such as coma and seizures, while linking these effects to neurotransmitter deficiencies and hyper-ammonemia. Additionally, AFB1 induces damage to DNA and proteins through oxidative stress mechanisms. Overall, the article aims to underline the significant neuroimmunotoxic risks posed by AFB1 exposure on the central nervous system (CNS). Notably Aflatoxin M1 is a metabolite of AFB1. Although less potent than AFB1, AFM1 is classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as a Group 1 carcinogen, meaning it is proven to be carcinogenic to humans. Prolonged exposure to AFM1 is associated with potential liver damage and hepatocellular cancer. Infants and young children are particularly susceptible due to their relatively high consumption of milk.
Ochratoxin A: this article explores the effects of the mycotoxin ochratoxin A (OTA) on the function of astrocytes, particularly their role in glutamate reabsorption. The research identifies that OTA significantly inhibits the absorption of extracellular glutamate by rat cortical astrocytes, indicating a half inhibitory concentration of 1.3 and 10.1 μM. While OTA negatively impacts glutamine synthetase activity, this effect does not account for changes in glutamate absorption, as higher toxin concentrations are required for such effects. The findings suggest that OTA reduces surface expression of excitatory amino-acid transporters GLAST and GLT-1, culminating in increased extracellular glutamate levels, which may contribute to excitotoxicity and brain cell death.
Trichothecenes: The content in this article discusses the neurological symptoms reported in humans following exposure to trichothecene toxins. Individuals affected have described a range of debilitating symptoms, including nausea, confusion, and various cognitive impairments. Additionally, the text mentions alimentary toxic aleukia (ATA) as a condition presenting severe neurological effects, including disorientation, hallucinations, and sensory loss. The primary theme emphasizes the detrimental impact of trichothecene exposure on the nervous system, highlighting the urgency of understanding these toxicological effects for health implications and treatment.
Gliotoxins: This study using mice reveals immediate consequences when they were exposed to gliotoxins: ‘Seizures developed within an hour of injection in all the rats that received ≥0.8 nmol fluorocitrate and 2 of 4 rats that received 0.4 nmol fluorocitrate. Five of 12 animals that received ≥1.2 nmol fluorocitrate experienced status epilepticus. This study shows that fluorocitrate results in focal epileptic seizures with secondary generalization in a dose-dependent manner.’
Future articles will discuss how qualified practitioners may work with clients to help them eliminate these toxins and support damage and healing.
View the graph of mycotoxins and their effects on varying systems here: GraphMycotoxins
Much light,
Lynn
