Endozepine stupor: disease or deception? A critical review.
Presentation of patients with recurrent stupor associated with apparently elevated levels of an endogenous benzodiazepine-like agent, endozepine-4, has been reported from several centers, and a new syndrome, endozepine stupor has been proposed. We recently reported a case with typical features of this syndrome, which proved to be an example of surreptitious administration of exogenous benzodiazepine. This and other examples of clandestine drug use, together with uncertainties about the validity of tests used to distinguish exogenous and endogenous benzodiazepines, prompted us to undertake a reappraisal of this clinical syndrome.
Granot
Ron
R
Institute of Neurological Sciences, Prince of Wales Hospital, Australia. raduron@ozemail.com.au
Berkovic
Samuel F
SF
Patterson
Scott
S
Hopwood
Malcolm
M
Drummer
Olaf H
OH
Mackenzie
Rod
R
D001569:Benzodiazepines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003128:Coma / Q000097:blood* / Q000139:chemically induced*; D026261:Diazepam Binding Inhibitor / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans
D026261:Diazepam Binding Inhibitor; D001569:Benzodiazepines