Occupational Neurology

Marcello Lotti MD is a Professor in the Department of Cardiac Thoracic and Vascular Sciences at the University of Padua Medical School in Italy and the director of the Occupational Medicine Clinic. He received his MD at the University of Padua where he specialized in Occupational Medicine. He worked for several years at the Medical Research Council Toxicology Unit in Carshalton UK and at the University of California San Francisco Medical School, USA. Besides his clinical activities, the focus of his research is on the biochemical mechanisms of neurotoxic disorders occurring at work places and elsewhere, and on environmental pollution. He is the author of more than 200 publications. He was a consultant for several governments and national and international organizations. Dr. Margit L. Bleecker is a leader in Occupational Neurology, having produced the textbook, Occupational Neurology and Clinical Neurotoxicology and published articles on neurotoxic exposure and disorders associated with mechanical stress in the workplace. She has a PhD degree from SUNY, an MD from the UC San Francisco, did her neurology residency at Johns Hopkins Hospital, and remained there 11 years before becoming Director of the Center for Occupational and Environmental Neurology (COEN). At COEN, workers with neurotoxic exposures from heavy metals, solvents, carbon monoxide, and pesticides are evaluated. Other conditions evaluated include post concussion syndrome, traumatic brain injury, complex regional pain syndrome, and upper extremity/neck disorders from workplace injury, including from paint manufacturing industry, smelter workers, and meat packing and newspaper industries. Medical management programs are integrated with ergonomic interventions as models for prevention, identification, and treatment of work-related illnesses/injuries associated with ergonomic stressors.

Section 1 Introduction1. Principles and practice of occupational neurology: an overview2. Evaluating suspected work-related neurological disorders (clinical diagnosis) 3. Neuropsychological evaluation and exposure to neurointoxicants4. Exposure assessment for chemical and physical agents 5. The mechanisms of neurotoxicity and the selective vulnerability of nervous system sitesSection 2 Neurobehavioral disorders associated with exposure to neurointoxicants6. Occupation and the risk of developing a chronic toxic leukoencephalopathy7. Neurotoxicity of solvents8. Hydrogen sulfide intoxication9. The neurotoxicity of organochlorine and pyrethroid pesticides10. Organophosphate and Carbamate Insecticide Poisoning 11. Neurotoxicity of metals 12. Carbon monoxide intoxicationSection 3 Movement disorders (Parkinsonism or other movement disorders) 13. Extrapyramidal system neurotoxicity: animal models14. Occupational exposures and parkinsonism15. Tremor secondary to neurotoxic exposure: mercury, lead, solvents, pesticidesSection 4 Toxic neuropathies 16. Clinical descriptions of toxic neuropathiesSection 5 Special sensory organ systems17. Neurotoxic exposure and impairment of the chemical senses of taste and smell18. Retinal and visual system: occupational and environmental toxicology19. HearingSection 6 Musculoskeletal disorders20. Mechanical stress21. Low back pain 22. Occupational mononeuropathies in industry23. Upper extremity and neck disorders associated with keyboard and mouse useSection 7 Other neurological disorders and work restriction/accommodation 24. Sleep deprivation due to shift work 25. Headache and migraine: a leading cause of absenteeism26. Considerations for return to work following traumatic brain injury27. The complex region pain syndrome28. Accommodation of workers with chronic neurologic disorders-ADA