title: Hypermagnesemic pseudocoma.
abstract: We treated a case of iatrogenic hypermagnesemia that clinically mimicked a central brain-stem herniation syndrome. Hypermagnesemia (magnesium level, 9.85 mmol/L [24 mg/dL]) can cause parasympathetic blockade, inducing fixed and dilated pupils, in addition to neuromuscular blockade. Extreme hypermagnesemia can therefore mimic a midbrain syndrome and cause a pseudocomatose state.
authors: Department of Neurology, Medical Center of Central Massachusetts, Worcester.
authors: M A
authors: MA
authors: Rizzo
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Fisher
authors: J P
authors: JP
authors: Lock
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001927:Brain Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis; D001933:Brain Stem; D003128:Coma / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000150:complications; D016883:Diabetic Ketoacidosis / Q000628:therapy; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006547:Hernia / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D007049:Iatrogenic Disease; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008274:Magnesium / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000097:blood; D008278:Magnesium Sulfate / Q000506:poisoning / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008508:Medication Errors; D013577:Syndrome
chemical_list: D008278:Magnesium Sulfate; D008274:Magnesium