Distinct EEG Patterns As Diagnostic Tool in Serotonin Syndrome, A Case Review
This poster is part of a Virtual Poster Session, hosted by the Ochsner Continuing Medical Education. We encourage you to ask questions and engage in discussion on this poster! Authors will respond to comments between May 25- June 5, 2020.
Presenters
Elham Azizi MD, Remi Okwechime MD, Nicholas Reyes MS, Jose Posas MD.
Poster
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Interesting presentation, thanks for writing it up.
Rhythmic delta/theta is very nonspecific EEG pattern. How to distinguish serotonin syndrome vs use of sedatives? It seems to me that the history and physical exam were the key features leading to diagnosis.
Very true Sir, this patient’s diagnosis was established from his history and physical exam. After his ICU stay, I followed him till he was discharged. He was a normal person, following commands, answering questions with good thought process. It was a very interesting case to me. Thank you for your comment.
Great Presentation!
I agree with Namir, often in our complex clinical patients, we have difficulty distinguishing between Sedative/dampening or wave altering medications and true abnormal wave patterns. What specifically made you note the abnormal Rhythmic delta/theta patterns versus attributing it to the sedative use during admission?
Thank you for your comment! We had recommended the cessation of all sedatives and benzodiazepines at the time we were noting the abnormal wave forms and anytime this recommendation was dismissed and the patient received morphine, this reset the clock and we started our analysis from the new time the sedative had been discontinued.
Remi,
What was the exact temporal relationship between the electrographic state change and the movement noted? Which preceded the other or were they exactly time locked?