[Disorders in peripheral circulation and nerve function caused by working with hand-operated vibrating tools].

So far, there are only hypotheses about the etiology of vibration-caused vasospastic syndrome (VVS). When assessing the occupational stress, one must consider the kind, intensity and duration of the exposure to vibration, the static forces, environmental temperature, and noise. The symptoms peculiar to this disease are vasospastic attacks with white fingers, numbness and local pain. The diagnostic methods include a general medical examination, an anamnesis and special tests (cold provocation with measurements of finger-tip temperature or infrared thermography). Epidemiological research has enabled us to establish dose-effect relationship. Appropriate preventive measures may reduce the risk of VVS.