A possible association between exposure to n-hexane and parkinsonism

Neurol Sci. 2000 Feb;21(1):49-52. doi: 10.1007/s100720070118.

Abstract

Recently, some case-control studies and case reports have shown an association between solvent exposure and parkinsonisms. We present a 55-year-old male parkinsonian patient with chronic exposure to n-hexane for 17 years. The results of neurophysiological (electromyography, evoked potentials), neuroradiological (MRI) and neuropsychological tests performed on the patient suggest a role of this solvent at the level of the central nervous system. Biological susceptibility to neurotoxic compounds is discussed briefly.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antiparkinson Agents / therapeutic use
  • Carbidopa / therapeutic use
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Electromyography
  • Evoked Potentials, Auditory, Brain Stem
  • Evoked Potentials, Somatosensory
  • Hexanes / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Levodopa / therapeutic use
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Occupational Diseases / chemically induced
  • Parkinsonian Disorders / chemically induced*
  • Parkinsonian Disorders / diagnosis
  • Parkinsonian Disorders / drug therapy
  • Selegiline / therapeutic use
  • Solvents / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Antiparkinson Agents
  • Hexanes
  • Solvents
  • n-hexane
  • Selegiline
  • Levodopa
  • Carbidopa