Aripiprazole-Induced Oculogyric Crisis: A Pediatric Case Series and a Brief Narrative Review

Oculogyric crisis (OGC) represent an unusual type of dystonic movement disorder, usually reported as an adverse event of antipsychotic drugs, with acute or tardive onset, likely due to a functional disruption of dopaminergic neurotransmission. It is seldom reported in children with aripiprazole, an atypical antipsychotic commonly used in youths. In this manuscript, we report on a case series of three pediatric patients and provide a brief narrative review of the literature, in order to increase the awareness of clinicians and to foster future research in this area.

Oculogyric Crisis – Atypical Presentation in Patient with Dengue Fever

Here we are presenting a case of dengue fever presented with an atypical symptom of “oculogyric crisis” with features of multi organ dysfunction syndrome. Increased vascular permeability, plasma leakage, haemorrhagic manifestations, and thrombocytopenia are charecteristics of dengue fever. A 19 year old male patient, with no co-morbidity came to Dhiraj hospital with chief complaints of fever which was high grade & intermittent, it is associated with chills & rigours for 5 days. Also complain of abdominal pain over epigastric region, dull aching non radiating associated with decreased appetite since 5 days. Dengue infection has a wide range of clinical features. Neurological complications can occur in any spectrum of dengue infection. The diagnosis of oculogyric crisis is majorly clinical and it requires a focused detailed history and detailed physical examination to find out possible triggers for the crisis and to rule out other reasons for abnormal eye movements.

A case of delayed-onset multiple oculogyric crisis and torticollis episodes after low dose intramuscular haloperidol in a non-neuroleptic drug overdose setting

This report documents a rare case of delayed-onset multiple acute dystonias after treatment with low dose intramuscular (IM) haloperidol lactate injection in a setting of non-neuroleptic drug overdose. The drug–drug interactions between haloperidol and high levels of paracetamol and naproxen are deliberated upon. A 25-year-old Asian female was admitted after an intentional overdose of medications (paracetamol, naproxen and pregabalin). She received 5 mg of IM haloperidol injection for agitation. 21 hours later she experienced mild intermittent ocular deviation in an upward and outward direction and generalised stiffness, which were self-resolving. An hour later, she required another 2.5 mg of IM haloperidol injection for further agitation. In the 35 hours following her first IM haloperidol (13 hours after the second IM haloperidol), she developed a total of three episodes of oculogyric crisis (OGC) with torticollis. Each episode was treated promptly with IM diphenhydramine 25 mg, and there was remission of symptoms within 15 minutes of treatment. An objective causality assessment revealed a definite relationship between the episodes of acute dystonia with IM haloperidol therapy. Where oral alternatives and IM atypical antipsychotics/benzodiazepines are unavailable, rapid tranquillisation with a high-potency typical antipsychotic is a possibility. However, consideration should be made to combine haloperidol with an anticholinergic agent as prophylaxis against acute dystonia, especially in the setting of drug overdose, even if it is that of a non-neuroleptic drug (in this case, paracetamol and naproxen).

Recognizing Atypical Dopa-Responsive Dystonia and Its Mimics

ABSTRACTPurpose of ReviewDopa-responsive dystonia (DRD) encompasses a group of phenotypically and genetically heterogeneous neurochemical disorders. Classic GTP cyclohydrolase 1 (GCH-1)-associated DRD consists of early-onset lower limb asymetrical dystonia, with sleep benefit, diurnal variation, and excellent and sustained response to low L-dopa doses.Recent findingsUnlike the classic phenotype, GCH-1-associated DRD may include features inconsistent with the original phenotype. We describe a GCH-1-associated late-onset DRD case with family history of parkinsonism and cervical dystonia whose response to levodopa was poor and complicated with dyskinesia, blepharospasm and severe non-motor symptoms. We use this case as a springboard to review the spectrum of atypical DRD, DRD-plus and DRD mimics.SummaryGCH-1-related dystonia may exhibit wide intrafamilial phenotypic variability, no diurnal fluctuation, poor response to L-dopa, and such complications as dyskinesia, epilepsy, sleep disorders, autonomic dysfunction, oculogyric crisis, myoclonus, or tics. More recently, rare GCH-1 variants have been found to be associated with Parkinson's disease. Clinicians should be aware of atypical DRD, DRD-plus and DRD mimics.

Adverse reaction to Coartem (artemether/lumefantrine) resulting in oculogyric crisis

Background Artemether/lumefantrine (AL), sold under the brand name Coartem, is the most common artemisinin-based combination therapy for the treatment of malaria. Drug-induced oculogyric crisis is a neurological disorder characterized by frequent upward deviations of the eye. In the literature, no cases of Coartem-induced oculogyric crisis have been reported in Ghana. Case presentation A 19-year-old male patient, who presented fever measuring 37.9 °C, general body pains, and weakness was prescribed with antimalarial therapy artemether/lumefantrine, Coartem®, from a local pharmacy. Just after initiation of treatment, the patient complained of double vision, involuntary upward eye deviation, and inability to close both eyes. The patient was diagnosed with Coartem-induced oculogyric crisis and was treated with the cessation of the causing agent and intramuscular injection of promethazine hydrochloride. Conclusions When a patient exhibits a neurological disorder, such as oculogyric crisis, with normal conscious state and normal vital signs, special attention should be given to obtaining a history of recently administered medications. Clinicians should recognize adverse reactions to drugs based on a thorough patient history and examination. The goal of this report was to present Coartem-induced oculogyric crisis.