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Disease/Syndrome Neuropathy, toxic
Category Chronic Poison
Acute/Chronic Chronic
Synonyms Toxic polyneuropathy; Peripheral neuropathy
Comments Most symmetrical, sensorimotor neuropathies caused by exposure to chemicals are indistinguishable from similar effects caused by systemic diseases such as alcoholism, diabetes mellitus, uremia, or B12 deficiency. The diagnosis of toxic polyneuropathy is usually made on the basis of symptoms following exposure to the chemical and the resolution of symptoms months to years after cessation of exposure. [LaDou, p. 375-6]
Chemicals that Can Cause Toxic Polyneuropathy:
C: Carbon disulfide;
L: Lead;
A: Arsenic, Acrylamide;
M: Mercury;
N: N-hexane;
O: Organophosphates (OPs);
T: Thallium;
E: Ethylene oxide;
Some OPs can Induce Delayed Neuropathy (OPIDN). OPIDN usually occurs after ingestion, and is usually nonoccupational. [Levy, p. 572] Lead, n-hexane, and OPs tend to cause predominantly motor neuropathy, while the other agents produce sensorimotor neuropathy. [Rom, p. 640-55]
Latency/Incubation Weeks to months
Diagnostic History; Neurological examination; EMG and nerve conduction test
ICD-9 Code 357.7
Related Information in Haz-Map
Symptoms/Findings Symptoms/Findings associated with this disease:
Job Tasks High risk job tasks associated with this disease:
Agents Hazardous agents that cause the occupational disease:





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Last updated: September, 2008