Sensory Neuropathy Developing Consequence of Contact N-Hexane Contaıned Materıals For Long Term

Aim: N-hexane is a commonly used alyphatic hydrocarbon derivative due to being an expensive solvent, and known as having neurotoxic characteristics. A case being exposed to hexane based chemicals for the purpose of the stabilization of electrical pressure circuits on cell phones and developing sensory neuropathy owing to the exposure was aimed to be discussed in the light of the literature. Case Report: A 50 year old man applied to the Neurology policlinic with the complaint of numbness first starting on the feet, then radiating to the legs and hands 3 years ago. On his neurologic examination, no pathologic findings were found except for the finding in the form of glove-sock hypoesthesy. In the history of the patient without any known systemic diseases, it was found out that the patient was a cell phone technician for the last 3 years, and that he was particularly exposed to hexan-based chemicals for the purpose of the stabilization of electrical pressure circuits on cell phones in very inappropriate conditions and for a long time. On the examination of his EMG, widespread peripheric pure sensory neuropathy was determined. Other causes leading to sensory neuropathy were excluded. It was thought that sensory neuropathy may be dependent on the longterm exposure to hexan-based chemicals for the purpose of the stabilization of electrical pressure circuits on cell phones in inappropriate conditions. Conclusion: Dependent on long- term n-hexane exposure, peripheric sensory neuropathy may develop in those dealing with cell phones becoming widely used in recent years, and the maintenance of these cell phones after their mechanic defects.