Quantitative EEG in occupational chronic solvent encephalopathy

Abstract

<jats:p> The aim of this study was to characterize the quantitative analyzed EEG (electroencephalogram) findings (qEEG) in chronic solvent encephalopathy (CSE) patients and study whether the qEEG findings associate with the duration and intensity of the solvent exposure. Also, the diagnostic value of qEEG in CSE is discussed. The EEG of 47 male CSE patients was analyzed. The laboratory’s own reference EEG values of 24 healthy male subjects formed the laboratory control group. We also used an age-matched control group of 100 male blue-collar workers without occupational solvent exposure. The main finding of our study was that the power of the frontal theta band is increased in the CSE patient group compared with the laboratory control group. This suggests that the frontal cortex may be susceptible to the noxious effects of solvents. However, this difference was not seen in comparison with the matched control group, and thus, the connection with solvent effects remains uncertain. The variables indicating the level of solvent exposure did not associate with the power of the theta activity in the frontal area. Because of the small amount and unspecificity of the observed abnormalities, qEEG cannot be recommended to be used in the clinical diagnostics of solvent encephalopathy. </jats:p>

The Assessment of Effect of Occupational Manganese Exposure on Cognition and Quantitative EEG Variables

“…In our study we did not find any significant relation between qEEG measuresand MoCA scores in manganese exposed workers.Protective measures of worker health may have reduced the effect of manganese exposure and thus manganese might not to be at a level to affect cognition. Another possibility is that MoCA scores of the patients included in the study were slightly affected, a study in patients with lower MoCA scores may reveal different outcomesKeski-Säntti et al did not recommend the use of qEEG in the clinical diagnostics of solvent encephalopathy because of the small amount and unspecificity of the observed abnormalities (33). Chronic occupational toxic exposure may not lead to significant findings in qEEG measures even if they cause cognitive deficits.…”

Hidden Factors Thwarting Success

“…33 Likewise, exposure to solvent-based toxins can also influence the EEG. 34 The presence of heavy metals or illicit drugs, undetected and untreated, may impair clinical effectiveness because they affect neuronal interactions. Neurofeedback treatment of crack cocaine users showed better abstinence rates than without neurofeedback, but not as high as with alcoholics and opiate addicts using the Peniston-Kulkowsky protocol.…”

Changes in the Electroencephalographic Activity in Response to Odors Produced by Organic Compounds

“…Previously, some studies reported the effect of different chemicals on the brain function using EEG. The frontal theta power band is increased in the chronic solvent encephalopathy patient group when compared with the laboratory control group (Keski-Säntti, Kovala, Holm, Hyvärinen, & Sainio, 2008). Significant increases of dominant alpha frequency and alpha percentage were observed during the early phase exposure of m-xylene (Seppalainen et al, 1991).…”