Citation

Shimp G, Fratczak A, Nielson JA, Perry R. Cureus 2023; 15(4): e37019.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2023, Curēus)

DOI

10.7759/cureus.37019

PMID

37139041

PMCID

PMC10151070

Abstract

We present a patient with carbon monoxide poisoning with a single focal neurological deficit. The patient was found by emergency medical services (EMS) to be resting in his truck with a generator running nearby. On arrival, the patient was hemodynamically stable. The patient was aphasic but did not exhibit any other focal or lateralizing deficits. He was able to communicate by writing clearly and coherently on a sheet of paper. His initial carboxyhemoglobin was 29%, confirming the diagnosis of carbon monoxide poisoning. He was treated with 100% O(2) via a non-rebreather mask and regained his speech during his ED (emergency department) course. The patient was ultimately hospitalized for continued oxygen treatment and serial examinations. This case highlights the varied presenting symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning as well as the importance of including a broad differential diagnosis while working up patients with a focal neurologic deficit.

Language: en

Keywords

emergency medicine; accidental poisoning; altered mental state; applied toxicology; carbon monoxide; expressive aphasia; focal neurologic deficits; oxygen therapy