Butane encephalopathy. Issue 9 (19th August 2005)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Harris, D; Mirza, Z
• Is Part Of: Emergency medicine journal. Volume 22:Issue 9(2005)
• Page Start: 676
• Page End: 677
• Publication Date: 2005-08-19
• Subjects: A&E, accident and emergency -- CSF, cerebrospinal fluid -- GCS, Glasgow Coma Score -- VSA, volatile solvent abuse; Butane -- encephalopathy -- solvent abuse; Emergency medicine -- Periodicals; 616.02505
• DOI: 10.1136/emj.2003.014134
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1472-0205

Abstract

Abstract : Volatile solvent abuse (VSA) is defined at the "intentional inhalation of a volatile substance for the purpose of achieving a euphoric state". The lifetime prevalence of VSA in the UK remains steady at around 15%, the fourth highest rate in Europe, and VSA is the most common form of drug abuse in the 11–15 year age group in England and Wales. A 13 year old girl presented to the accident and emergency unit following inhalation of butane based deodorant, which resulted in a prolonged semiconscious state with encephalopathic symptoms.