Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 10, 2026

Pupillary Response as Assessment of Effective Seizure Induction by Electroconvulsive Therapy
04:51

Pupillary Response as Assessment of Effective Seizure Induction by Electroconvulsive Therapy

Published on: April 11, 2019

Epileptic seizures induced by cycloplegic eye drops

Tamara Wygnanski-Jaffe1, Paolo Nucci, Mauro Goldchmit

  • 1Goldschleger Eye Institute and Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Sheba Medical Center , Tel Hashomer , Israel .

Cutaneous and Ocular Toxicology
|July 3, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Cyclopentolate eye drops can induce seizures in young children, a rare complication. These seizures, often generalized, occur shortly after instillation and are unpredictable in healthy subjects.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Clinical Pharmacology

Background:

  • Cycloplegic ophthalmic drops are commonly used in pediatric eye care.
  • Seizures are a known, albeit rare, potential adverse effect of certain ophthalmic medications.

Observation:

  • A survey identified five pediatric patients who experienced seizures after receiving cycloplegic eye drops (cyclopentolate hydrochloride 1%) between 1998 and 2010.
  • Seizures occurred within minutes to an hour post-instillation.
  • Historical literature documented 16 prior cases implicating various cycloplegic agents.

Findings:

  • Cyclopentolate hydrochloride 1% was the sole agent implicated in the surveyed cases.
  • Generalized convulsions were more frequent than focal seizures.
  • The majority of affected children had no significant prior medical history, indicating healthy subjects are susceptible.

Implications:

  • Clinicians should be aware of the potential for cyclopentolate-induced seizures in children, even with small dosages.
  • This rare complication highlights the need for careful patient monitoring after ophthalmic drop instillation.
  • Understanding the temporal relationship and seizure types can aid in diagnosis and management.
Abstract

Keywords:
Atropincyclopentolatecycloplegiaseizures

More Related Videos

Manipulation of Epileptiform Electrocorticograms (ECoGs) and Sleep in Rats and Mice by Acupuncture09:06

Manipulation of Epileptiform Electrocorticograms (ECoGs) and Sleep in Rats and Mice by Acupuncture

Published on: December 22, 2016

Ultrasound Cyclo Plasty in Eyes with Glaucoma05:05

Ultrasound Cyclo Plasty in Eyes with Glaucoma

Published on: January 26, 2018

Related Concept Videos

Antiepileptic Drugs: Potassium Channel Activators01:20

Antiepileptic Drugs: Potassium Channel Activators

Ezocgabine or retigabine, an antiepileptic drug of remarkable efficacy, has revolutionized the management of seizures. It is a potassium channel activator, explicitly targeting the family of Q subtype potassium channels. It enhances the transmembrane potassium currents, regulating neuronal excitability. This action stabilizes the resting membrane potential, a pivotal factor in mitigating the hyperexcitability that characterizes epilepsy.
Ezogabine has gained approval as an adjunctive treatment...
Seizures l: Introduction01:20

Seizures l: Introduction

Understanding seizures and epilepsy relies on key definitions that help in recognizing, classifying, and managing these disorders. These definitions provide a framework for recognizing, classifying, and managing seizure disorders.DefinitionsA seizure is a sudden, abnormal burst of electrical activity in the brain that can cause changes in awareness, movement, sensation, or behavior, depending on the area involved. Epilepsy is a chronic condition characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures,...
Seizures ll: Types01:19

Seizures ll: Types

Seizures are sudden bursts of abnormal electrical discharge in the brain that interfere with normal function. They are commonly divided into three groups: focal seizures, generalized seizures, and other types that do not fit neatly into either category.Focal SeizuresFocal seizures begin in a single brain region. When awareness is preserved, they are called focal aware seizures and may cause sensations such as tingling, unusual smells, or flashing lights. When awareness is impaired, they are...
Seizures: Classification01:13

Seizures: Classification

Epilepsy is primarily characterized by unpredictable seizures, either provoked by an identifiable factor, such as injury or illness, or unprovoked, occurring spontaneously without apparent cause.
Seizures are typically classified into two main categories: focal and generalized seizures.
Focal Seizures
Focal seizures originate from specific regions of the brain. These seizures are further sub-classified into two types:
Epilepsy ll: Types01:22

Epilepsy ll: Types

Recurrent seizures, stemming from abnormal electrical activity in the brain, are the defining characteristic of epilepsy, a chronic neurological condition. Because seizure features vary greatly, epilepsy is classified using two systems: by seizure type and by epilepsy syndromes. These classifications enable clinicians to describe seizure patterns and select suitable treatment strategies.I. Classification by Seizure Type1. Focal EpilepsyFocal epilepsy begins in one hemisphere of the brain.
Antiepileptic Drugs: Sodium Channel Blockers01:08

Antiepileptic Drugs: Sodium Channel Blockers

Antiepileptic drugs are specialized medications that prevent seizures in individuals diagnosed with epilepsy. These drugs primarily function by blocking the movement of sodium ions through channels in the neuronal membrane, inhibiting the repetitive firing of action potentials often associated with seizures.
Sodium channel blockers modulate ion channels, particularly voltage-gated sodium channels. They block only sodium ion movement.
Among the most commonly prescribed antiepileptic drugs are...