Status dystonicus: a diagnosis delayed

BMJ Case Rep. 2018 Sep 12:2018:bcr2018226531. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2018-226531.

Abstract

Status dystonicus, also known as the dystonic storm or dystonic crisis, is rare but may prove fatal due to respiratory and bulbar complications. In adults, the condition is rare and possibly under-reported. The lack of awareness of this condition among emergency and acute physicians may lead to an incorrect or delayed diagnosis, which should be avoided. We report a case of a 23-year-old man with athetoid cerebral palsy who presented to a district general hospital with uncontrolled dystonic movements, which were diagnosed as status dystonicus. This was successfully treated with intravenous clonidine, with full recovery returning to baseline functional state.

Keywords: epilepsy and seizures; movement disorders (other than parkinsons).

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Intravenous
  • Adrenergic alpha-2 Receptor Agonists / therapeutic use
  • Adult
  • Cerebral Palsy / complications*
  • Clonidine / therapeutic use
  • Delayed Diagnosis
  • Dystonic Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Dystonic Disorders / drug therapy
  • Electroencephalography
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male

Substances

  • Adrenergic alpha-2 Receptor Agonists
  • Clonidine