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A General Method for Evaluating Deep Brain Stimulation Effects on Intravenous Methamphetamine Self-Administration
Published on: January 22, 2016
Delayed akinetic catatonic mutism following methadone overdose
Sarah Gheuens1, Alex Michotte, Anja Flamez
1Department of Neurology, UZ Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 101, Jette, Belgium. sgheuens@bidmc.harvard.edu
Neurotoxicology
|August 7, 2010
Summary
Methadone overdose can cause toxic spongiform leukoencephalopathy, a rare but fatal brain condition. This case highlights a severe neurological side effect of methadone, even when used as a heroin substitute.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Toxicology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Methadone is a widely used opioid agonist therapy for opioid use disorder.
- It is generally considered safe for long-term substitution treatment for heroin addiction.
Observation:
- A 49-year-old woman presented with a catatonic mute state.
- This neurological condition emerged a few weeks following a methadone overdose.
Findings:
- Clinical, radiological, and histological examinations confirmed toxic spongiform leukoencephalopathy.
- This diagnosis indicates a severe, potentially fatal, adverse effect on brain white matter.
Implications:
- This case underscores the risk of severe neurological toxicity associated with methadone overdose.
- It highlights the need for vigilance regarding rare but serious side effects of opioid substitution therapies.
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