PERIPHERAL AND CENTRAL CONDUCTION IN N-HEXANE POLYNEUROPATHY

Electrophysiological findings of 27 males with industrial n-hexane pol yneuropathy (HPNP) are presented. The results of needle electromyograp hy and nerve conduction studies were compatible with primarily axonal polyneuropathy, with secondary segmental demyelination. Motor conducti on velocities were the slowest in distal regions of the nerves. In the proximal nerve segments, which were partly tested by magnetic stimula tion of the nerve roots, this slowing was much less pronounced. The re duction in mean motor conduction velocities in the forearm segments of ulnar nerves was more than 30% in comparison to the control group mea ns. This reduction was only 10% in the neck-axilla segments. We think that this finding is a reflection of the distal axonopathy process. Ce ntral motor conduction times calculated by transcranial magnetic stimu lation and spinal nerve root stimulation were found to be prolonged in HPNP patients, indicating that descending motor pathways are affected in human HPNP. (C) 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.