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'''Manganism''' or '''manganese poisoning''' is a [[neurological disorder]] associated with excessive exposure to the chemical element [[manganese]]. It was first described by British academic [[James Couper]] in 1837.
{{SI}}
 
{{Infobox medical condition
== History ==
| name            = Manganism
[[James Couper]] first described Manganism in 1837 after observing workers in Scottish manganese ore grinding mills. He noted symptoms such as lethargy, weakness, and paralysis in these workers.  
| image          = [[File:Mn-TableImage.svg|150px]]
 
| caption        = Manganese on the periodic table
| synonyms        = Manganese poisoning
| specialty      = [[Neurology]], [[Toxicology]]
| symptoms        = [[Tremor]], [[dystonia]], [[bradykinesia]], [[cognitive impairment]]
| onset          = Gradual
| duration        = Long-term
| causes          = [[Manganese]] exposure
| risks          = Occupational exposure (e.g., [[welding]], [[mining]])
| diagnosis      = Clinical evaluation, [[MRI]]
| differential    = [[Parkinson's disease]], [[Wilson's disease]]
| prevention      = Reducing manganese exposure
| treatment      = [[Chelation therapy]], [[levodopa]]
| prognosis      = Variable, may be progressive
| frequency      = Rare
}}
'''Manganism''' is a neurological disorder caused by chronic exposure to [[manganese]] (Mn), a chemical element that is essential in small amounts but can be toxic in higher concentrations. This condition is characterized by symptoms similar to those of [[Parkinson's disease]], including tremors, difficulty walking, and facial muscle spasms.
== Causes ==
== Causes ==
Manganism is caused by chronic exposure to manganese, which is often found in industrial settings. Occupations such as welding, mining, and working in factories that produce dry cell batteries, ceramics, and glass are particularly at risk.  
Manganism is primarily caused by prolonged exposure to manganese dust or fumes. This exposure is common in certain occupational settings, such as [[welding]], [[mining]], and [[steel manufacturing]]. Manganese is used in the production of [[alloys]], [[batteries]], and [[fertilizers]], which can lead to increased risk of exposure for workers in these industries.
 
== Symptoms ==
== Symptoms ==
The symptoms of Manganism are often divided into early and late stages. Early symptoms include [[psychiatric disorder|psychiatric]] and [[neurological disorder|neurological]] symptoms such as mood changes, irritability, aggression, hallucinations, and short-term memory loss. Late-stage symptoms include [[Parkinson's disease|Parkinsonian]] symptoms such as bradykinesia, rigidity, and tremor.
The symptoms of manganism can be divided into early and late stages:
 
* '''Early symptoms''':
  * Fatigue
  * Headache
  * Muscle cramps
  * Emotional instability
* '''Late symptoms''':
  * Tremors
  * Difficulty walking
  * Muscle rigidity
  * Speech disturbances
  * Facial muscle spasms
== Diagnosis ==
== Diagnosis ==
Diagnosis of Manganism involves a thorough medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests. Blood and urine tests can detect high levels of manganese, while [[Magnetic Resonance Imaging|MRI]] can show specific patterns of brain damage associated with the disorder.
Diagnosis of manganism involves a combination of clinical evaluation and exposure history. Neurological examinations are conducted to assess motor function and cognitive abilities. Imaging techniques such as [[MRI]] may be used to detect changes in the brain associated with manganese exposure.
 
== Treatment ==
== Treatment ==
Treatment for Manganism primarily involves removing the source of manganese exposure and providing supportive care. Medications may be used to manage symptoms, but there is currently no cure for the disorder.
Treatment for manganism focuses on reducing manganese exposure and managing symptoms. Chelation therapy with agents such as [[EDTA]] may be used to remove excess manganese from the body. Supportive therapies, including physical therapy and medications to manage symptoms, are also important components of treatment.
 
== Prevention ==
Preventing manganism involves minimizing exposure to manganese in occupational settings. This can be achieved through the use of protective equipment, proper ventilation, and adherence to safety regulations. Regular monitoring of manganese levels in the workplace and health surveillance of workers can also help prevent the onset of manganism.
== See also ==
== See also ==
* [[Occupational disease]]
* [[Manganese]]
* [[Heavy metal poisoning]]
* [[Parkinson's disease]]
* [[Parkinson's disease]]
 
* [[Occupational safety and health]]
== References ==
<references />
 
[[Category:Neurological disorders]]
[[Category:Neurological disorders]]
[[Category:Occupational diseases]]
[[Category:Occupational diseases]]
[[Category:Toxic effects of substances chiefly nonmedicinal as to source]]
{{neurology-stub}}
{{medicine-stub}}

Latest revision as of 03:44, 8 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Manganism
Synonyms Manganese poisoning
Pronounce N/A
Specialty Neurology, Toxicology
Symptoms Tremor, dystonia, bradykinesia, cognitive impairment
Complications N/A
Onset Gradual
Duration Long-term
Types N/A
Causes Manganese exposure
Risks Occupational exposure (e.g., welding, mining)
Diagnosis Clinical evaluation, MRI
Differential diagnosis Parkinson's disease, Wilson's disease
Prevention Reducing manganese exposure
Treatment Chelation therapy, levodopa
Medication N/A
Prognosis Variable, may be progressive
Frequency Rare
Deaths N/A


Manganism is a neurological disorder caused by chronic exposure to manganese (Mn), a chemical element that is essential in small amounts but can be toxic in higher concentrations. This condition is characterized by symptoms similar to those of Parkinson's disease, including tremors, difficulty walking, and facial muscle spasms.

Causes[edit]

Manganism is primarily caused by prolonged exposure to manganese dust or fumes. This exposure is common in certain occupational settings, such as welding, mining, and steel manufacturing. Manganese is used in the production of alloys, batteries, and fertilizers, which can lead to increased risk of exposure for workers in these industries.

Symptoms[edit]

The symptoms of manganism can be divided into early and late stages:

  • Early symptoms:
 * Fatigue
 * Headache
 * Muscle cramps
 * Emotional instability
  • Late symptoms:
 * Tremors
 * Difficulty walking
 * Muscle rigidity
 * Speech disturbances
 * Facial muscle spasms

Diagnosis[edit]

Diagnosis of manganism involves a combination of clinical evaluation and exposure history. Neurological examinations are conducted to assess motor function and cognitive abilities. Imaging techniques such as MRI may be used to detect changes in the brain associated with manganese exposure.

Treatment[edit]

Treatment for manganism focuses on reducing manganese exposure and managing symptoms. Chelation therapy with agents such as EDTA may be used to remove excess manganese from the body. Supportive therapies, including physical therapy and medications to manage symptoms, are also important components of treatment.

Prevention[edit]

Preventing manganism involves minimizing exposure to manganese in occupational settings. This can be achieved through the use of protective equipment, proper ventilation, and adherence to safety regulations. Regular monitoring of manganese levels in the workplace and health surveillance of workers can also help prevent the onset of manganism.

See also[edit]