Parkinsonism is an "umbrella term" used to describe nervous system disorders like Parkinson's disease. These disorders affect the areas of the brain that control movement and are often referred to as extra pyramidal movement disorders. There are no known cures for these conditions and they are progressive which means that the condition will get worse over time.
Manganese fumes from welding are believed to lead to the development of Parkinson's-like disorders. These disorders can be referred to as:
- Manganese induced Parkinsonism
- Manganese poisoning
- Manganism
These disorders are extremely similar to "naturally" occurring Parkinson's disease (called "idiopathic Parkinson's disease") and they can be easily mistaken for each other or misdiagnosed. There are subtle differences, however, that can alert doctors to injuries caused by Manganese.
Perhaps the most alarming difference is that Manganese fumes from welding can cause welders to develop these nervous system disorders at an extremely premature age. A recent study by the Washington University School of Medicine noted that welders were starting to exhibit symptoms of disorders an average of 15 years earlier than non-welders.
Other differences include:
- Tremors in those suffering from Manganese related disorders are "intentional tremors", which means these tremors occur when the sufferer attempts to move. Idiopathic Parkinson's disease tremors are "resting tremors", which means these tremors occur when the sufferer is at rest.
- Manganese related disorders involve a degree of dystonia, a neurological movement disorder characterized by involuntary muscle contractions, which force parts of the body into abnormal, sometimes painful, movements or postures. Idiopathic Parkinson's disease generally does not involved dystonia.
- Manganese related disorders generally do not respond well to treatment options that work on idiopathic Parkinson's disease.
- Different areas of the brain are affected by Manganese related disorders.
- Other distinguishing symptoms of Manganese related disorders include the "cock walk" (a type of staggering gait), difficulty walking backwards as well as a tendency to fall backward when pushed and psychiatric disturbances early in the course of the disorder.
It is important to note that family physicians may not be able to tell the difference between standard Parkinson's disease and Parkinson's-like diseases caused by Manganese fumes. If you or a loved one worked as a welder and is suffering from any of these symptoms, you may need to be evaluated by a specialist.
If you're a welder and suffering from any of the symptoms listed in this special section or if you have family, friends or loved ones who worked in welding and are starting to suffer from these conditions, it's time to talk to a lawyer and protect your legal rights. Please contact us immediately at 800-966-4999 and see why our law firm has recovered over $100 million on behalf of our clients.
