Status dystonicus: a diagnosis delayed. (12th September 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Arshad, Muhammad Fahad; Ahmad, Ehtasham; Biddanda, Aiyappa Nanjappa; Sharif, Muhammad
• Is Part Of: BMJ case reports. Volume 2018
• Publication Date: 2018-09-12
• Subjects: epilepsy and seizures -- movement disorders (other than parkinsons); Medicine -- Case studies -- Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2018-226531
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1757-790X

Abstract

Abstract : Status dystonicus, also known as the dystonic storm or dystonic crisis, is rare but may prove fatal due to respiratory and bulbar complications. In adults, the condition is rare and possibly under-reported. The lack of awareness of this condition among emergency and acute physicians may lead to an incorrect or delayed diagnosis, which should be avoided. We report a case of a 23-year-old man with athetoid cerebral palsy who presented to a district general hospital with uncontrolled dystonic movements, which were diagnosed as status dystonicus. This was successfully treated with intravenous clonidine, with full recovery returning to baseline functional state.