Toxic Encephalopathy Following Undercooked Bitter Yam Ingestion in Two Patients in Ile-Ife, Nigeria: A Case Report

Introduction: Yam is a major staple food in Nigeria and most of sub-Saharan Africa, and it is consumed in several forms. Dioscorea dumetorum is the bitter yam species found mainly in our locality. Bitter yam when undercooked can cause encephalopathy with patients presenting mainly with altered sensorium and convulsions. The cases reported here are unique because of their rarity and favourable response to supportive treatment, and they also serve to add to the existing literature on this potentially reversible cause of acute encephalopathy. Method: We report two adult male patients who presented to our facility 2 months apart with multiple convulsions and unconsciousness shortly after ingestion of undercooked bitter yam. A diagnosis of generalized convulsive status epilepticus and acute repetitive seizures secondary to bitter yam poisoning was made, respectively, and they were managed successfully with intravenous phenytoin and both made a complete recovery. Conclusion: These cases highlight the need for more awareness among clinicians regarding the neurological manifestations of bitter yam toxicity when poorly prepared and also for education of the public on preventive measures.