1/6. prochlorperazine-induced extrapyramidal effects mimicking meningitis in a child.Certain medications, such as the phenothiazines, may cause side effects that result in neck stiffness and may actually mimic the presentation of meningitis, especially in children. Despite the controversial use of antiemetics, they continue to be used in children with viral gastroenteritis. I describe the case of a child who had a febrile seizure and meningismus during the course of a viral gastroenteritis, not due to meningitis but to the untoward side effect of an antiemetic. Clinicians must be aware that these medications may cause extrapyramidal side effects that may mimic other more serious diseases and lead to unnecessary evaluations; therefore, their use cannot be strongly encouraged. If antiemetics are prescribed, physicians should emphasize possible side effects so that corrective treatment can be initiated promptly.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = physician (Clic here for more details about this article) |
2/6. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor-related extrapyramidal symptoms in autistic children: a case series.Abnormal movements occur rarely with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). This report describes four consecutive autistic children who developed extrapyramidal side effects (EPS) following SSRI exposure. Videotapes, physician notes, and parental interviews were used retrospectively to rate symptoms on the Extrapyramidal Symptom Rating Scale. Findings suggest that EPS is a potential complication of SSRI treatment in autistic children.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = physician (Clic here for more details about this article) |
3/6. SIADH: a serious side effect of psychotropic drugs.In this communication two cases of possibly drug induced hyponatremia secondary to amitriptyline and thioridazine have been reported. What is particularly important is the fact that in one, irreversible neurological symptoms were left as sequelae and in the other, the patient was in a coma and thus suffered from a potentially lethal complication. The physicians should be aware of this disturbing side effect while treating their patients with antidepressant and neuroleptic medications.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = physician (Clic here for more details about this article) |
4/6. Abuse of antiparkinsonism drugs. Feigning of extrapyramidal symptoms to obtain trihexyphenidyl.Many physicians may be unaware of the abuse potential of antiparkinsonism medications. A case report suggests that the deliberate abuse of these drugs may be considerably more widespread than has been hitherto believed. patients may feign extrapyramidal symptoms to obtain antiparkinsonism agents. physicians should exercise greater caution when prescribing these drugs.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = physician (Clic here for more details about this article) |
5/6. neuroleptic malignant syndrome.neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication of neuroleptic therapy. Its occurrence is not familiar to most emergency physicians. Early recognition and appropriate management of NMS may prevent significant morbidity and mortality.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = physician (Clic here for more details about this article) |
6/6. Diverse effects of antiemetics in children.AIMS. To present cases of dystonic reactions in paediatric patients related to the use of antiemetics and to remind practitioners of the potential hazards of these agents in the paediatric age group. METHOD. Discussion of the presentations of three children at the Middlemore Hospital emergency department with neurological symptoms after exposure to prochlorperazine or metoclopramide and one child with a possible phenothiazine ingestion. RESULTS. These cases illustrate that some physicians are unaware of the potential hazards of antiemetics in children. CONCLUSIONS. physicians prescribing antiemetics for children presenting with viral gastroenteritis should carefully consider the risks and benefits of these medications. If the drugs are prescribed, instructions about possible side effects should be emphasised so that corrective treatment can be initiated promptly. A full drug history should be obtained on all patients presenting to emergency departments. In addition, the emergency physician evaluating children with unusual neurological symptoms should always consider the possibility of an acute extrapyramidal reaction.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 2keywords = physician (Clic here for more details about this article) |