Otoneurological findings in psycho-organic syndrome caused by industrial solvent exposure.
Nine subjects with long-term (8-30 years) occupational exposure to industrial solvents and a confirmed diagnosis of psycho-organic syndrome (POS) have been studied with audiological and otoneurological test batteries. The results were compared to a matched control group of nine industrial workers not exposed to solvents and to normal data from healthy volunteers. In the clinical examination, the Romberg test identified 5/9 workers as pathologic and concurrently the stabilometry showed significantly larger sway areas in the POS-group. In the audiological test battery, the significantly pathologic tests were discrimination of interrupted speech and evoked cortical responses to frequency glides (CRA-delta-f). The saccade test disclosed abnormal findings in 5/9 workers. In the smooth pursuit test, abnormality was found at some test frequencies using pseudorandomized stimulus. The VOR-suppression test was significantly abnormal at all test frequencies. The test battery used strongly indicates CNS lesions due to industrial solvents.
Möller
C
C
Department of Otolaryngolgy and Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital, Linköping, Sweden.
Odkvist
L M
LM
Thell
J
J
Larsby
B
B
Hydén
D
D
Bergholtz
L M
LM
Tham
R
R
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004781:Environmental Exposure; D006801:Humans; D007221:Industry; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000503:physiopathology*; D009801:Oculomotor Muscles / Q000503:physiopathology; D004856:Postural Balance; D012027:Reflex, Vestibulo-Ocular; D012438:Saccades; D012997:Solvents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013577:Syndrome; D014722:Vestibule, Labyrinth / Q000503:physiopathology
D012997:Solvents