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[Gesture apraxia disclosing carbon monoxide poisoning]
S Schaeffer1, V de La Sayette, F Bertran
1Service de neurologie Dejerine, CHU Côte de Nacre, Caen.
Revue Neurologique
|August 1, 1998
Summary
Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause delayed neurological issues like limb apraxia and akinetic mutism. This rare case highlights the potential for chronic carbon monoxide poisoning to lead to severe, delayed encephalopathy.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is a significant public health concern.
- Neurological sequelae are common but varied following CO exposure.
Observation:
- A 70-year-old woman presented with progressive limb apraxia and headache attributed to carbon monoxide poisoning.
- During hospitalization, she developed akinetic mutism and coma, ultimately leading to death.
Findings:
- Limb apraxia is an uncommon presentation of carbon monoxide poisoning.
- The development of akinetic mutism post-intoxication suggests a delayed encephalopathy.
Implications:
- This case underscores the potential for delayed neurological complications from chronic carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Further research into the mechanisms of delayed CO encephalopathy is warranted.