title: Mercury intoxication simulating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
abstract: A 54-year-old man had a syndrome resembling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis after a brief but intense exposure to elemental mercury. The syndrome resolved as his urinary mercury levels fell. Mercury toxicity must be considered not only in individuals with recent anterior horn-cell dysfunction but also with otherwise unexplained peripheral neuropathy, tremor, ataxia, and a gamut of psychiatric symptoms including confusion and depression.
mesh_terms: D000690:Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004568:Electrodiagnosis; D005207:Fasciculation; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008628:Mercury / Q000097:blood / Q000652:urine; D008630:Mercury Poisoning / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D008628:Mercury