OVERVIEW
OVERVIEW
Mercury toxic tremor is the involuntary, rhythmic shaking of the trunk caused by repeated muscle contractions and relaxations due to mercury poisoning. It is most common in chronic mercury poisoning. It appears early on in the eyelids, tongue, and fingers, and then progresses throughout the body.
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Department
Neurology, Occupational Diseases
Clinical symptoms
Symmetrical fine or coarse tremor of the eyelids, tongue, fingers, wrists, upper or lower extremities, head, or even the whole body.
Hazards
Persistent tremor can interfere with work and life. Mercury often causes irreversible damage to the nervous system.
Tests
Mercury measurement, EEG, EMG, X-ray, CT, MRI, etc.
Diagnosis
History of long-term exposure to mercury or acute mercury poisoning, the presence of symmetrical fine or coarse tremor of part of the trunk or the whole body, combined with blood and urine dynamic mercury measurement and other tests for diagnosis.
Treatment principle
Early treatment to prevent irreversible damage to the nervous system. Get rid of the poisoned environment, mercury repellent medication, symptomatic treatment.
Curability
Early and aggressive treatment can alleviate the symptoms.
Dietary recommendations
Light diet, fasting is required for those with other severe symptoms.
Etiology
Etiology
Long-term, chronic inhalation of mercury vapors or ingestion of mercury compounds.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Typical symptoms
Early on, the tremor appears on the eyelids, tongue and fingers, then progresses to the wrists, upper or lower limbs, head and even the whole body. The tremor is symmetrical, subtle, with occasional coarse movements and writing tremor of the fingers, which is aggravated by stress and disappears during sleep.
Diagnostic basis
1. History of long-term exposure to mercury or acute mercury poisoning.
2. Symmetrical fine or coarse tremor of part of the body or the whole body.
3. Positive blood and urine dynamic mercury measurement.
4. Electroencephalography, electromyography, X-ray, CT, magnetic resonance imaging, etc. can help to exclude other organic lesions.
Treatment
Treatment guidelines
Get rid of the poisoned environment, mercury repellent medication, symptomatic treatment.
Drug treatment
Commonly used drugs for mercury repellent include dimercaptopropanol or sodium dimercaptopropanesulfonate. If accompanied by mental symptoms, anti-anxiety drugs, such as diazepam, can be given.
Other treatments
Exercise rehabilitation.
Prognosis
Symptoms can be reduced and quality of life improved with treatment.
Nursing care
Daily care
Maintain good mood and appropriate activities.
Strengthen protection and improve labor conditions.
Regular medical checkups.
Dietary conditioning
Regular diet, pay attention to balanced nutrition.