Lead neuropathy in adults and children.

All parts of the nervous systems can be affected, depending on the level and duration of exposure, by increased levels of lead. The occurrence of motor neuron disease, peripheral neuropathy, and encephalopathy are not mutually exclusive disorders for those individuals suffering from the toxic effects of lead. We present data that support the concept that increased absorption of lead produces changes in both central and peripheral nervous systems. Clinical and electrical evidence of subclinical involvement of peripheral nerves appears to be common to adults and children who are exposed to lead. These observations, accumulated from several possible sources of environmental hazard, also suggest that measurement of motor nerve conduction velocity may serve as an additional factor in the diagnosis of otherwise unrecognized toxic effects of lead.