NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS IN VIBROACOUSTIC DISEASE I - CURRENT FINDINGS

摘要

Introduction. The neurological pathology observed in a group of aircraft technicians, over 25 years ago, prompted researchers into investigating the biological effects of low frequency noise (LFN, <500 Hz, including infrasound) exposure. Today, vibroacoustic disease (VAD) has been defined as the whole-body pathology caused by excessive occupational or environmental exposure to LFN. The goal of this report is to describe the plethora of neurological disorders observed among VAD patients. Methods. Data gathered over the past 25 years will be collectively presented. Results. Epilepsy in VAD is the object of an independent study, however unusual epileptic situations were observed in these patients. Many exhibited the palmo-mental reflex, expected in the elderly and in new-borns, but also seen in a large amount of VAD patients, and which indicates a loss of cortical control over the brainstem structures. Some VAD also disclosed facial dyskinesia in response to an auditory stimulus. The autonomic nervous system is also greatly compromised in these patients, and in severe cases includes impairment of bowel and urinary functions. Balance disorders, ranging from dizziness to vertigo are also quite common in VAD patients. Discussion. Excessive LFN exposure can severely affect the central and autonomic nervous systems.