Early manifestations of manganese neurotoxicity in humans: an update

Abstract

It is possible to detect early signs of neurotoxic dysfunction associated with occupational and environmental exposure to manganese; neurophysiologic and neurobehavioral tests can be used in the absence of clinical manifestations. Although outcomes from individual studies vary, they collectively show a pattern of slowing motor functions, increased tremor, reduced response speed, enhanced olfactory sense, possible memory and intellectual deficits, and mood changes. This overall portrait is consistent with the action of manganese on the central nervous system. In reports to date, there is little consistency in dose-effect relationships between internal parameters of manganese exposure (blood manganese, urinary manganese, hair manganese) and external measures and neurologic outcomes. Several studies suggest the existence of dose-effect relationships, but additional clarification is needed.