Manganese Neurotoxicity as a Stroke Mimic: A Case Report

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Occupational Health

Background:

• Manganese (Mn) exposure is a risk factor for neurological conditions.
• Occupational exposure in welders is a potential route for Mn toxicity.

Observation:

• A 40-year-old welder presented with stroke-like symptoms: slurred speech and left facial weakness.
• Brain imaging revealed basal ganglia hypodensities and later showed manganese deposition in the globus pallidus and corticospinal tracts.

Findings:

• The patient was diagnosed with manganese-induced cerebral toxicity despite normal serum manganese levels.
• Symptoms improved with conservative management and workplace safety education.

Implications:

• Highlights the importance of personal protective equipment (PPE) in preventing occupational manganese neurotoxicity.
• Underscores the need for considering environmental exposures in diagnosing neurological deficits that mimic stroke.
• Emphasizes the reversibility of manganese neurotoxicity with reduced exposure and appropriate management.