Full neurological recovery following tricyclic overdose associated with absent brainstem reflexes. (November 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Webster, Deborah; Datar, Priya; Waddy, Sam
• Is Part Of: Journal of the Intensive Care Society. Volume 19:Number 4(2018:Nov.)
• Page Start: 365
• Page End: 367
• Publication Date: 2018-11
• Subjects: Amitriptyline -- brain stem -- brainstem reflex -- poisoning -- overdose -- prognosis -- neurological recovery; Critical care medicine -- Periodicals; Intensive care units -- Periodicals; 616.028
• DOI: 10.1177/1751143718765408
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1751-1437

Abstract

We report the case of an 18-year-old gentleman who presented to the emergency department following a large overdose of amitriptyline. He was comatose on admission but his neurology further deteriorated to global loss of brainstem reflexes. He made a full but slow neurological recovery. First signs of improving neurology were seen on day 3 of admission; he was extubated on day 6 and discharged home on day 9. There is limited recent literature to help guide prognostication in this group of patients.