title: Carbon monoxide encephalopathy: need for appropriate treatment.
abstract: The authors describe severe psychiatric and neurological sequelae in a patient who suffered carbon monoxide poisoning as a result of a suicide attempt. A review of the literature revealed that 15 to 40% of survivors of carbon monoxide poisoning develop neuropsychiatric symptoms, often following a period of apparent recovery. The authors advocate an aggressive treatment approach to carbon monoxide poisoning, emphasize the diagnostic value of extensive laboratory testing, and suggest that 2 to 4 weeks of bedrest may prevent delayed neuropsychiatric sequelae.
mesh_terms: D001927:Brain Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D002249:Carbon Monoxide Poisoning / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011605:Psychoses, Substance-Induced / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*