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Manganism is typically defined in three stages. The inhalation of manganese oxide fumes, such as those produced from welding initially manifest itself as “metal fume fever" in the exhibit of chills, fever, sweating, nausea, and coughing symptoms. These influenza-like indications begin 4-12 hours after exposure and diminish after 24 hours. If exposure continues after the initial inhalation, the patient may experience the “initial stage” which is rather vague, typified by malaise, apathy, lethargy, anorexia, weakness, sexual dysfunction and headaches. These symptoms are nonspecific, and are often misdiagnosed or explained away as depression, physical or mental exhaustion, or even the flu. Although Manganism is often irreversible, it can be reversed if it is recognized and arrested at this early stage. If diagnosed at this stage and the exposure continued, typically there are no permanent sequellae. If exposure continues the symptoms will increase and eventually become irreversible if the individual continues to be exposed to high manganese concentrations.
If these symptoms remain undiagnosed or misdiagnosed (and exposure continues) the symptoms will worsen and manifest itself as impaired memory and judgment, psychological disturbance, anxiety and possibly psychotic/hallucinogenic events (“manganese madness”). This parkinsonian stage can last from 30 to 90 days.
In the third stage, there is extremity dystonia, gait disturbance, tremor, paresis, impaired coordination and facial rigidity. Once the victim reaches this stage, the condition is irreversible, and will ultimately culminate in complete disability requiring lifetime healthcare and twenty-four hour per day nursing and medical attention. Insofar as welding rod litigation is concerned, victims in the third stage have an actionable claim against the manufacturers of the welding rods.
Welding rod fumes contain manganese a deadly neurotoxin that inhibits the brain’s ability to produce dopamine. Welders and brazers exposed to these manganese fumes develop Parkinsonian symptoms known as manganism. If you or a loved one has been injured due to welding rod fumes then please fill out the Welding Rod Attorney Consultation form below and a welding rod lawyer will review your claim
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