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Accidental hydroxychloroquine overdose resulting in neurotoxic vestibulopathy.

Authors :
Chansky PB
Werth VP
Source :
BMJ case reports [BMJ Case Rep] 2017 Apr 12; Vol. 2017. Date of Electronic Publication: 2017 Apr 12.
Publication Year :
2017

Abstract

Hydroxychloroquine is an oral antimalarial medication commonly used off-label for a variety of rheumatological conditions, including systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren's syndrome and dermatomyositis. We present a case of a 64-year-old woman who presented with acute onset headache, bilateral tinnitus, and left-sided facial numbness and tingling in the setting of accidentally overdosing on hydroxychloroquine. By the next morning, the patient began to experience worsening in the tingling sensation and it eventually spread to her left arm, thigh and distal extremities. The patient also complained of new onset blurring of her peripheral vision and feeling 'off balance.' Despite a complete neurological and ophthalmological work-up with unremarkable imaging and blood work, the patient has had no improvement in her tinnitus, left-sided paresthesias, visual disturbance or ataxia. This is a unique case of hydroxychloroquine overdose resulting in permanent neurotoxic vestibulopathy.<br /> (© BMJ Publishing Group Ltd (unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2017. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.)

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1757-790X
Volume :
2017
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
BMJ case reports
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
28404567
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1136/bcr-2016-218786