Abstract
<h3>To the Editor.—</h3> We are presenting a case of encephalopathy secondary to a massive overdose of carbamazepine (Tegretol). The clinical picture is nonspecific and may be confused with the postictal state in those patients who have access to this anticonvulsant. <h3>Report of a Case.—</h3> A 16-year-old boy was brought to the Neurological Institute after having failed to recover from a presumed psychomotor seizure. The patient had suffered three previous episodes in the preceding year and therapy had recently been started with carbamazepine, 200 mg twice daily. On admission, the patient was seen in profound stupor. He neither responded to speech nor made spontaneous vocalizations. Minimal painful stimuli would elicit semipurposeful movements of the extremities. Strength, tone, and deep tendon reflexes appeared to be unimpaired. Examination of the cranial nerves showed normal fundi, brisk corneal reflexes, and normal pupillary responses. Nevertheless, biplanar disconjugate gaze (skew deviation) and an absent response to
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: JAMA: The Journal of the American Medical Association
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
