Remember the side effects of haloperidol: a case report
1Department of Intensive Care, The St George Hospital, Kogarah, New South Wales. g.alvarez@unsw.edu.au
Summary
A young patient experienced an acute dystonic reaction after receiving haloperidol for post-operative pain. This highlights how extrapyramidal side effects can be missed in complex surgical cases.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pharmacology
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Lipomyelomeningocele is a congenital condition requiring surgical intervention.
- Post-operative pain and agitation are common after neurosurgical procedures.
- Haloperidol is an antipsychotic medication sometimes used for agitation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of acute dystonic reaction following haloperidol administration in a post-operative patient.
- To emphasize the potential for overlooking extrapyramidal side effects in complex cases.
- To raise awareness among clinicians regarding haloperidol side effects.
Main Methods:
- Case report of an 18-year-old male patient.
- Review of post-operative management and medication administration.
- Diagnostic investigation for acute symptoms.
Main Results:
- The patient developed an acute dystonic reaction after a single dose of haloperidol.
- Extensive investigations were required to identify the cause of the symptoms.
- Diagnosis and treatment of the extrapyramidal side effect were delayed.
Conclusions:
- Extrapyramidal side effects of haloperidol can be easily overlooked in patients with complex medical or surgical histories.
- Careful consideration of medication side effects is crucial, even in challenging cases.
- Prompt recognition and management of dystonic reactions are important for patient recovery.
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