[A brachial form of motor neuropathy caused by lead poisoning]

Rev Neurol (Paris). 1998 Nov;154(11):771-3.
[Article in French]

Abstract

We report the case of a 48-year-old patient who developed acute onset bilateral, peripheral motor dysfunction in the arms and forearms. Clinical history, electromyography and laboratory tests confirmed the diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy caused by lead poisoning from the domestic water supply. The EMG showed axonal alterations. Improvement was observed after treatments with chelating agents and removal of the source of poisoning. This case provides the opportunity to recall the traditional 1889 Dejerine classification of lead-related peripheral neuropathies and is a warning signal that lead poisoning remains a problem in peri-urban areas of developed countries.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Abdominal Pain / chemically induced
  • Arm / innervation*
  • Dyskinesia, Drug-Induced / etiology*
  • Electromyography
  • Fasciculation / chemically induced
  • Hallucinations / chemically induced
  • Humans
  • Lead Poisoning / complications*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Muscle Fatigue
  • Paralysis / chemically induced
  • Paresthesia / chemically induced
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / diagnosis
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / physiopathology
  • Reflex, Abnormal
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical / adverse effects*
  • Water Supply

Substances

  • Water Pollutants, Chemical