Neurol. praxi. 2013;14(4):193-196

Polyneuropathies in industrial neurology

doc.MUDr.Edvard Ehler, CSc.

Neurologická klinika PKN, a. s. a Fakulty zdravotnických studií, Univerzita Pardubice

Toxic neuropathies are caused by chemical substances, which under conditions of sufficient exposition lead to damage of neuron, axon,

myelin sheath or of more structures of peripheral nervous system simultaneously. Even if toxic neuropathies caused by pharmaceuticals

occur more frequently, the prevalence of polyneuropathies due to exposition of industrial chemicals has a decreasing tendency. To

evaluate the causality of toxin and clinical finding there is a list of criteria (Bradford Hill Criteria). Except classical clinical findings there

are laboratory methods (including evidence of concentration of toxin and its metabolites) and neurophysiological methods used in the

diagnostics of toxic neuropathies. Toxic neuropathies in industry are caused by heavy metals and chemical substances.

Keywords: neuropathy, electromyography, exposition, heavy metals, organic solvents

Published: October 1, 2013  Show citation