[Epidemiological aspects in occupational neurology. Investigational methodology]].

INTRODUCTION: In the working population, unsatisfactory working conditions (in the broadest sense) may cause effects whose gravity depends mainly on the characteristics of exposure and the general condition of the individual.

DEVELOPMENT: These effects may, in practice, be classified as occupational accidents and professional illness (both legal concepts), illnesses related to work, diminished quality of life and effects on offspring. Agents as varied as head injuries and metals are known to cause from loss of memory or behavior disorders to chronic toxic encephalopathy or Parkinsonism. There is little data on exposure to neurotoxic agents or disorders of the central nervous system caused by work and what there is not reliable. Therefore it is necessary to facilitate and encourage collaboration between neurologists and occupational medicine specialists so as to determine the importance/extent of the problem, undertake investigation as to aetiology and develop methods for early detection of these disorders.