Compressive neuropathies as an occupational disease

Some lesions of the peripheral nerves caused by physical factors can, under certain conditions, be acknowledged as an occupational disease. The decision whether it is an occupational disease or not is authorized by the "Centre of occupational diseases". Neurological consultants have a very important role in the process of acknowledgement of an occupational disease. During the last 20 years, disorders of neurological character represented 29.6% of all occupational diseases. At the same time, the lesions of the peripheral nerves due to overload or vibration constituted 98.5%. Carpal tunnel syndrome is most frequent, followed less often by an ulnar nerve lesion in the elbow, and rarely by an ulnar nerve lesion in the wrist and hand - the Guyon's channel. In the development of occupational compressive neuropathies, various mechanisms take place: mechanical pressure, hand overload, transmission of vibration on the upper extremity, cold, inappropriate position during work, and other factors. For acknowledgement of occupational origin of such a lesion, it is essential to determine clinical signs and symptoms, and EMG examination corresponding to at least the moderately severe lesion. Anamnestic, clinical, and EMG characteristics including electrophysiological parameters of a moderately severe lesion for the median and ulnar nerves were defined.