ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on central nervous system (CNS) injury and its potential biomarkers, although research into biomarkers for non-CNS effects is warranted as well. It discusses the potential for the development of minimally invasive testing for the presence of biomarkers of traumatic brain injury and CNS damage. The chapter outlines the methodology of circulatory micro RNA disease biomarkers research and projected clinical application. It proposes that the detection of exhaled breath biomarkers in chemical warfare nerve agents/organophosphorus poisoning or epilepsy is feasible, because several important metabolic imbalances that produce breath-detectable volatile organic compounds take place in status epilepticus, such as fatty acid peroxidation due to oxidative stress, and imbalances in neurotransmitter and energy metabolism. Some biomarker strategies, which are under active research and in clinical use, have not been discussed due to limitations of space. The management of chemical warfare nerve agent casualties is determined by two important factors: the nature of injury and the scenario.
