Reversible Forms of Motor Neuron Disease

Abstract

A 50-year-old battery worker had clinical signs of motor neuron disease: weakness, wasting, and active reflexes. Nerve conduction velocities, electromyogram, and motor unit territory indicated that the disorder was neuronal. Biochemical abnormalities were characteristic of lead in-

Lead Exposure as a Risk Factor for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

“…Case reports have documented occurrence of an ALS-like syndrome following lead poisoning [20][21][22][23][24] . Many of these cases showed some improvement following chelation therapy, which lowers blood lead levels, suggesting that they did not have ALS but rather a neurotoxic response to continuing lead exposure.…”

Chinese talismans as a source of lead exposure

“…Although her neurological presentation was not typical of lead neurotoxicity, 4 there have been case reports of lead poisoning mimicking MND. 5,6 Moreover, an animal study showed that anterior horn cells were sensitive to lead toxicity. 7 Chelation therapy with succimer (dimercaptosuccinic acid [DMSA]) was started in view of these possibilities.…”

“…4 Severe form of lead-induced peripheral neuropathy has been reported in causing generalised weakness mimicking MND. 5,6 Unlike MND, leadinduced peripheral neuropathy is associated with increased body burden of lead, a temporal sequence between lead exposure and progression of muscle weakness, clinical stabilisation or remission after removal from exposure, and systemic involvement with other features of lead poisoning such as anaemia and gastro-intestinal disturbance. 17 Chelation therapy is usually not indicated in asymptomatic adults with BLL of <3.36 µmol/L (70 µg/dL).…”

El cuadro clínico de la intoxicación ocupacional por plomo

“…Existen otros exámenes de laboratorio de menor especificidad, pero que pueden coadyuvar al diagnóstico, como tiempo de vida del hematíe, velocidad de conducción en nervios periféricos, sobre todo en los del grupo muscular que más usa el trabajador, pruebas neuro-comportacionales, pruebas de función renal, etc. ( [33][34][35][36] ).…”