Electrocerebral changes in acute alpha-chloralose poisoning: a case report

A patient who had swallowed a high dose of alpha-chloralose (AC) exhibited a severe CNS depression, myoclonic convulsions and a flat EEG tracing. An episode of respiratory depression occurred also during hospitalization. The cerebral electrical activity reappeared after 18 hrs., EEG and clinical pictures subsequently showing a rapid improvement. Chemical tests revealed the presence of 0.3 mg/100 ml of trichloroethanol in the blood. Treatment included the administration of diazepam against convulsions and assisted respiration. This case confirms previous clinical and experimental observations, proving that AC should be regarded as a convulsant in addition to being an anesthetic agent.