Strychnine

Background

Strychnine is a highly toxic sabustance, it mimics generalized tetanus.It 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 -Dystonic reaction -stiff-man syndrome

Workup

serum and urine tests for strychnine

Management

-supportive management -benzo for seizure

Disposition

-all patients shoud be admitted

See Also

-tetanus

Sources

rosen, 7th edition p1684 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strychnine#Symptoms