Toxin-Induced Acute Delirium

Link to article at PubMed

Neurol Clin. 2020 Nov;38(4):781-798. doi: 10.1016/j.ncl.2020.07.005.

ABSTRACT

Acute delirium is a transient state of cerebral dysfunction reflecting an underlying medical decompensation. Toxicity from medications and other substances are a common cause of delirium. History and laboratory testing may be limited by alteration and lack of specific tests for certain compounds. Classes of compounds produce a constellation of symptoms and examination findings recognized as a toxidrome. Cessation of the offending agent, supportive care, and specific antidotal therapy are key to treatment. This article reviews the presentations of the anticholinergic toxidrome, sympathomimetic toxidrome, hallucinogenic toxidrome, γ-aminobutyric acid withdrawal, and Wernicke encephalopathy, as well as their mechanisms and basic management.

PMID:33040861 | DOI:10.1016/j.ncl.2020.07.005

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