Medical Neurotoxicology Occupational & Environmental Causes of Neurological Dysfunction

âMedical Neurotoxicologyã is the only up-to-date reference text aimed at the clinician covering both occupational and environmental causes of neurological disease.Although classic occupational poisonings by agents such as heavy metals are now rare in the West, environmental exposure to chemicals such as pesticides or electromagnetic radiation is almost universal - even mild contact can cause subtle psychological or neurological disturbances.One of the unique features of this book is that it provides details of how to examine the patient, how to conduct and interpret epidemiological surveys and how to interpret the signs and symptoms of poisoning - no other text can boast such detailed, step-by-step coverage. The book is aimed at the neurologist and the occupational physician, highlighting topics such as the choice of appropriate tests, differential diagnosis and therapy. However, it will also appeal to clinicians, pharmacists, environmentalists, toxicologists and pharmacologists.With recent cases such as Gulf War Syndrome, and general concern about the effects of chemicals, pesticides and electromagnetic radiation on health, the topic has never been higher in the public consciousness. The effects of exposure to chemical, physical and biological agents, whether at work or in the general environment, are explored in depth. Specific environmental dangers include heavy metals, aluminium, pesticides and solvents. There are also major sections on naturally occurring neuro-toxins, which include poisonous animals and plants, insect-borne diseases and microbiological toxins. Symptoms which the clinician should recognise and ways of assessing a patient are outlined to enable correct diagnosis and management of neurotoxic illnesses.