Polyneuropathy and encephalopathy caused by solvent exposure at the workplace. Medical aspects regarding a new occupational disease

Solvent induced polyneuropathy and encephalopathy have been acknowledged qu ite recently as occupational diseases in Germany. For compensation first of all the diagnosis has to be proven. For differential diagnosis other known causes as well as non-organic mental diseases must be taken into considera tion. The causality between proven exposures and diagnosed disease has at l east to be probable. To evaluate causation extensive experience of the expe rts is needed. In this context scientific criteria regarding neurotoxicity of the solvent,duration of exposure, individual aspects of non-occupational influences, time course of the disease are important within a thorough syn optic evaluation. Possibilities and limitations of sensitive diagnostic mea sures such as neurographic, neuropsychologic and neuroimaging examinations are discussed. The prognosis of toxic polyneuropathy and encephalopathy is in general favorable if exposure has stopped. Additionally, adequate therap y and rehabilitation measures are supportive for a good prognosis.