Toxic "ictal" confusion in middle age: treatment with benzodiazepines.
In adult and elderly non-epileptic subjects psychoactive drugs may cause an altered state of consciousness and repetitive irritative EEG discharges. The neurotoxic pathogenesis of this drug-induced confusion and the differentiation from absence status are discussed. Dramatic relief by intravenous benzodiazepines is detailed. Recovery is complete and prognosis is excellent on withdrawal of the offending drug.
Van Sweden
B
B
D000328:Adult; D001570:Benzodiazepinones / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002746:Chlorpromazine / Q000009:adverse effects; D002927:Cimetidine / Q000009:adverse effects; D002998:Clonazepam / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003221:Confusion / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003984:Dibenzazepines / Q000009:adverse effects; D004569:Electroencephalography; D006801:Humans; D008728:Methotrimeprazine / Q000009:adverse effects; D008875:Middle Aged
D001570:Benzodiazepinones; D003984:Dibenzazepines; D002998:Clonazepam; D002927:Cimetidine; D008728:Methotrimeprazine; D002746:Chlorpromazine