Initial symptoms following exposure to nerve agents (like
sarin) are a runny nose, tightness in the chest, and constriction of the pupils. Soon after, the victim will then have difficulty breathing and will experience nausea and drooling. As the victim continues to lose control of his or her bodily functions, he or she will involuntarily salivate,
lacrimate, urinate, defecate, and experience
gastrointestinal pain and
vomiting.
Blisters and burning of the eyes and/or lungs may also occur.
[2][3] This phase is followed by initially myoclonic jerks followed by
status epilepticus. Death then comes via complete respiratory depression, most likely via the excessive peripheral activity at the
neuromuscular junction of the
diaphragm.
[4]
The effects of nerve agents are very long lasting and increase with successive exposures. Survivors of nerve agent poisoning almost invariably suffer chronic neurological damage. This neurological damage can also lead to continuing
psychiatric effects.
[5]