Manganism
Manganism is a disease that causes problems with movement and damages the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system. It is caused by excessive exposure to manganese, a metallic chemical element. Although small amounts of manganese are actually needed by the body, overexposure can lead to the development of Manganism. Manganism causes a loss of motor skills and coordination as well as mental and psychological problems.

Parkinson’s disease
Parkinson’s disease is a nervous system disorder that occurs when the brain fails to produce enough of an important neurotransmitter called dopamine. Parkinson’s disease is characterized by problems with movement. Tremors, a shuffling gait, slack facial muscles, speech difficulties, depression, and psychological imbalance can all be manifest. Parkinson’s is a progressive disease for which there is currently no cure. It typically affects older people, and its cause remains indeterminate.

Symptoms
The following symptoms are common with the onset of Parkinson's disease:

• The shaking of the hands, arms, legs or feet while resting. It may be more noticeable on one side of the body, and it may affect the hands more than the feet.
• Slow movement or a brief, temporary delay in movement
• Difficulty in maintaining balance. This sometimes happens while changing positions.
• Rigidity or stiffness of the patient's limbs may produce a shuffling gait - the slow, short-stepped walk that may occur during the early stages of this disease.

As Parkinson's disease progresses it often causes the onset of several other symptoms:

• Micrographia (small, cramped handwriting).
• Constipation.
• Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)—saliva and food that collects in the mouth or back of the throat may cause choking, coughing, or drooling.
• Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating).
• Hypersalivation (excessive salivation).
• Hypophonia (soft, whispery voice) Incontinence (loss of bladder and/or bowel control).
• Psychosocial: anxiety, depression, isolation.
• Seborrhea (scaling, dry skin on the face and scalp).
• Bradyphrenia or slow response to questions.
• Dementia or loss of intellectual capacity

These are just a few of the symptoms that may be exhibited by the onset of Parkinson's disease. If you believe that you are exhibiting these symptoms you should consult your family physician immediately.

If you have been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease you may be eligible for compensation. For more information and a free evaluation please visit the welder's form.