Carbon Monoxide Headquarters






Chronic CO Poisoning:

Lumio Chronic Carbon Monoxide Study (Cont.):


Most Frequent Symptoms resulting from Chronic CO Poisoning:

  • FATIGUE - seen in 240 cases, 91.3% +/- 1.74% (26 patients complained of very severe fatigue; continuous weakness or faintness taking them to bed immediately after work)

  • HEADACHE - almost as frequent as fatigue for 229 patients, 87.1% +/- 2.07% (16 patients had very severe headache)

  • VERTIGO - the most common oto-neurological symptom (See Below), 223 patients, 84.8% +/- 2.20% (in 6 patients vertigo was so severe they could not work)

  • IRRITATION - the 4rd most frequent symptom, 71.5% +/- 2.77% (In 6 patients it was the most severe symptom; more irritable at home than at work)

  • MEMORY IMPAIRMENT - the 5th most frequent symptom, complained of by 180 patients, 68.4% +/- 2.86% (9 patients said memory was so impaired they wer unable to work)
    The impairment was generally of recent memory not remote memory.

  • OTHER SYMPTOMS - buzzing / tinnitus, 166 patients, 63.1% +/- 2.97%; nausea.


    Characteristics of the Vertigo Reported in the Study.

    Type of Vertigo Number of Patients Percent
    In a bent position and on rising 144 64.6
    State of Vertigo 23 10.3
    Attacks of Vertigo 11 4.9
    In Sudden Movements 10 4.5
    In the Evening after Work 10 4.5
    In the Morning when Arising 10 4.5
    When Walking Outdoors 5 2.2
    When Driving 4 1.8
    When Overworked and at Exertion 6 2.7
    ......... Total = 223 100.0


    From: Lumio, J.S. (1948) Hearing deficiencies caused by carbon monoxide (generator gas). Acta Otolaryngol., Suppl. 71, 1-112.



    ...... last changed 03/14/02

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