Effects of lead and mercury intoxications on evoked potentials

Pattern reversal, brain stem auditory and somatosensory evoked potentials (PREPs, BAEPs, SEPs) have been recorded on 13 patients occupationally exposed to inorganic lead compounds, in 9 patients occupationally or accidentally exposed to inorganic mercury compounds and in 26 chronic alcoholics. The results were compared to those of a normal control group. Peripheral conduction velocities were decreased in lead exposed workers and in alcoholics, but not modified in the mercury exposed patients. In the three exposed groups, an amplitude increase (PREPs and upper limb SEP cortical components), more important in the mercury group and an increase of central conduction time in case of lower limb stimulation, could be interpreted as early signs of nervous cortical impairment.