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Updated: Jun 8, 2026

Cerebral Ischemic Coma Model Induced by Modified Four-Vessel Occlusion
Published on: July 5, 2024
Coma with absent brainstem reflexes resulting from zolpidem overdose
Tomasz J Kuzniar1, Rajesh Balagani, Kathryn A Radigan
1Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, NorthShore University HealthSystem, Evanston, IL, USA.
Abstract:
Zolpidem is a nonbenzodiazepine hypnotic with a favorable adverse effect profile. There are single reports of respiratory decompensation associated with zolpidem overdose. We report a case ofa young woman with depression who developed deep coma with respiratory failure and a loss of brainstem reflexes as a result of zolpidem overdose. Supportive management led to a complete recovery of neurologic function. Acute zolpidem overdose should be considered in the differential diagnosis of coma with absent brainstem reflexes.
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