Open AccessFocal seizure as a manifestation of serotonin syndrome: case report
Author(s) -
Eyad Almallouhi,
Mohamad Rahwan,
Helen Dainton,
Leonardo Bonilha
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
avicenna journal of medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2249-4464
pISSN - 2231-0770
DOI - 10.4103/ajm.ajm_7_19
Subject(s) - serotonin syndrome , medicine , serotonin , epilepsy , pediatrics , anesthesia , intensive care medicine , psychiatry , serotonergic , receptor
Serotonin syndrome is a life-threatening condition. Seizure is one of the complications of serotonin syndrome that may delay diagnosis and complicate management. We report a patient who had a focal seizure with abnormal electroencephalogram in the setting of serotonin syndrome with no prior history of epilepsy or seizure-provoking factors (fever, electrolyte abnormalities, specific medication combinations, and specific medication overdosing). Recognition of seizure as a symptom of serotonin syndrome is important for early treatment and avoidance of long-term consequences. Treatment of serotonin syndrome is mostly supportive. However, a short course of antiepileptics may be needed if these patients develop seizures.