Strychnine
Background
Strychnine is a highly toxic substance, mimics generalized tetanus. Antagonizes glycine release, but unlike TS, it has no effect on GABA release.
Clinical Features
- nausea and vomiting
- opisthotonus while Pt. remaining alert
- convulsions
- eventually death through asphyxia
Differential Diagnosis
- generalized tetanus
- Black widow spider bite
- stiff-man syndrome
Jaw Spasms
- Acute tetanus
- Akathisia
- Conversion disorder
- Drug toxicity (anticholinergic, phenytoin, valproate, carbamazepine)
- Dystonic reaction
- Electrolyte abnormality
- Hypocalcemic tetany
- Magnesium
- Mandible dislocation
- Meningitis
- Peritonsillar abscess
- Rabies
- Seizure
- Strychnine poisoning
- Stroke
- Temporomandibular disorder
- Torticollis
Workup
serum and urine tests for strychnine
Management
- supportive management
- benzo for seizure
Disposition
- all patients should be admitted
See Also
Sources
rosen, 7th edition p1684