Amantadine Enhances Recovery from Delayed Neuropsychiatric Effects Caused by Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: A Case Report

Abstract

Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning causes severe brain damage, including delayed neuropsychiatric sequelae (DNS), which occur after a lucid interval following recovery from the insult of acute CO poisoning. Delayed neuropsychiatric syndrome (DNS) is a well-known complication following carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning and develops in up to 50 % of adult survivors. The syndrome is probably immunologically mediated. We describe a 19-year-old female who developed DNS, including slowness, Parkinsonism; irritability and cognitive impairment. All symptoms, including cognitive impairment, were dramatically improved by amantadine monotherapy. The present case illustrates the possibility of amantadine treatment for cognitive impairment and parkinsonism induced by CO poisoning.