Canadian Medical Guide > Diseases > Nervous System Diseases > Neurotoxicity Syndromes > Heavy Metal Poisoning, Nervous System > Lead Poisoning, Nervous System Terms and Definitions




Lead Poisoning, Nervous System

Medical Definition: Injury to the nervous system secondary to exposure to lead compounds. Two distinct clinical patterns occur in children (LEAD POISONING, CHILDHOOD) and adults (LEAD POISONING, ADULT). In children, lead poisoning typically produces an encephalopathy. In adults, exposure to toxic levels of lead is associated with a peripheral neuropathy.
Guide Notes: prefer specifics: in infant or child = LEAD POISONING, NERVOUS SYSTEM, CHILDHOOD; in adolescent or adult = LEAD POISONING, NERVOUS SYSTEM, ADULT
Previously Indexed: Lead Poisoning (1966-1999)
Lead Poisoning, Nervous System Categories.
Canadian Medical Guide Definition Lead Poisoning, Nervous System, Adult - Neurologic conditions in adults associated with acute or chronic exposure to lead or any of its salts. The most common lead related neurologic syndrome in adults consists of a polyneuropathy involving motor fibers. This tends to affect distal nerves and may present as wrist drop due to RADIAL NEUROPATHY. Additional features of chronic lead exposure include ANEMIA; CONSTIPATION; colicky abdominal pain; a bluish lead line of the gums; interstitial nephritis (NEPHRITIS, INTERSTITIAL); and saturnine gout. An encephalopathy may rarely occur. (From Adams et al., Principles of Neurology, 6th ed, p1212)
Canadian Medical Guide Definition Lead Poisoning, Nervous System, Childhood - Neurologic disorders occurring in children following lead exposure. The most frequent manifestation of childhood lead toxicity is an encephalopathy associated with chronic ingestion of lead that usually presents between the ages of 1 and 3 years. Clinical manifestations include behavioral changes followed by lethargy; CONVULSIONS; HALLUCINATIONS; DELIRIUM; ATAXIA; and vomiting. Elevated intracranial pressure (HYPERTENSION, INTRACRANIAL) and CEREBRAL EDEMA may occur. (From Adams et al., Principles of Neurology, 6th ed, p1210-2)

Lead Poisoning, Nervous System Medical Definitions and Terms

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