Citation

Meehan TJ, Bryant SM, Aks SE. Emerg. Med. Clin. North Am. 2010; 28(3): 663-682.

Affiliation

Toxikon Consortium, Chicago, IL, USA; Department of Emergency Medicine (MC 724), University of Illinois - Chicago, 808 South Wood Street, 4th Floor, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.emc.2010.03.012

PMID

20709248

Abstract

The diagnosis and management of poisoned patients presenting with alterations in mental status can be challenging, as patients are often unable (or unwilling) to provide an adequate history. Several toxidromes exist. Recognition hinges upon vital signs and the physical examination. Understanding these "toxic syndromes" may guide early therapy and management, providing insight into the patient's underlying medical problem. Despite toxidrome recognition guiding antidotal therapy, the fundamental aspect of managing these patients involves meticulous supportive care. The authors begin with a discussion of various toxidromes and then delve into the drugs responsible for each syndrome. They conclude with a discussion on drug-facilitated sexual assault ("date rape"), which is both an underrecognized problem in the emergency department (ED) and representative of the drug-related problems faced in a modern ED.

Language: en