Tardive dystonia of the larynx in a quadriplegic patient: an unusual cause of stridor.
We describe a case of a quadriplegic brain-damaged man with severe upper airway obstruction. A diagnosis of tardive dystonia affecting the vocal folds was made and confirmed by flexible nasopharyngoscopy. Emergency tracheotomy was required. The tardive movement disorder resolved with discontinuation of thioridazine. This case serves to heighten awareness of potentially serious airway complications associated with the use of anti-psychotics and anti-emetics particularly in those with organic brain disease.
Rowley
H
H
Department of Otolaryngology, Mater Hospital, Dublin, Ireland. helenrowley@hotmail.com
Lynch
T
T
Keogh
I
I
Russell
J
J
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004409:Dyskinesia, Drug-Induced / Q000601:surgery; D004630:Emergencies; D006801:Humans; D007818:Laryngeal Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011782:Quadriplegia / Q000150:complications* / Q000601:surgery; D012135:Respiratory Sounds / Q000209:etiology*; D013881:Thioridazine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014139:Tracheostomy; D014827:Vocal Cords
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D013881:Thioridazine