Neurol. praxi. 2017;18(1):20-24 | DOI: 10.36290/neu.2017.059

Toxic neuropathies

MUDr. Radim Mazanec, Ph.D., MUDr. Daniel Baumgartner, MUDr. Veronika Potočková

Neurologická klinika 2. lékařské fakulty Univerzity Karlovy a Fakultní nemocnice v Motole, Praha

Toxic neuropathies play an important part of differential diagnosis in idiopathic neuropathies in adults. Unfortunately, neuropathic

symptoms and electromyographic findings resembling other acquires or inherited neuropathies. The careful medical history,

including detailed occupational and drug history with relevant data, related to neurotoxic exposure and general physical examination,

plays a key role in their diagnostic algorithm. Very important are special laboratory examinations confirmed toxic agents

or their metabolites in blood and urine. The cooperation with the experts in industrial neurotoxicology is recommended. The

correct considerations regarding interruption toxic treatment or finish exposure to toxic environment with further symptomatic

treatment are leading to improvement of peripheral neuropathy. Our knowledges about toxic drugs or industrial toxins constitute

a good background for effective prevention of toxic neuropathies.

Keywords: toxic neuropathies, neurotoxicity, drug induced neuropathies, heavy metals

Published: March 1, 2017  Show citation