RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Chronic exposure to relatively high levels of n-hexane either by inhalation or skin contact can result in peripheral nerve lesions. We present the clinical and electrophysiological features of 5 patients who have been exposed to n-hexane at similar industrial occupations in the progressive phase. METHODS: All patients underwent routine laboratory tests, cerebrospinal fluid examination, and sural nerve biopsy. Conventional sensory and motor nerve conduction studies were applied at admission and at the end of the 12 month. RESULTS: The average incubation period of the 5 cases was 10.2 months and the average period of the initial symptoms was 3.8 months. Numbness and weakness of the lower extremities were the initial symptoms that had ascended to the upper extremities in three of the patients. Deep tendon reflexes were either diminished or abolic. There was distal atrophy only in patient 5. All were treated with vitamin B complex and physical therapy and training. They were removed from further exposure to n-hexane after aetiological confirmation, but motor disturbance continued to worsen in the patient 5. The patients were visited every 3 months. Sensory functions were regained earlier than motor functions. All the patients, including one who was severe quadriparetic in the early stages, regained their full motor capabilities within 6 months to 21 months. CONCLUSION: Occupational n-hexane causes subacute neuropathy and the duration of exposure is important for the neurological outcome. We suggest that the prognosis of n-hexane induced neuropathy is well if correct diagnosis is made and further exposure is ceased.