An unusual case of 4-aminopyridine toxicity in a multiple sclerosis patient: epileptic disorder or toxic encephalopathy?

Acta Neurol Belg. 2009 Mar;109(1):40-1.

Abstract

We report the case of a 45-year old female multiple sclerosis patient, who accidentally was overdosed with 4-aminopyridine which resulted in dystonic, choreathetoid type abnormal movements in the four limbs, motoric distress, confusion and opisthotonus. There is little known about 4-aminopyridine toxicity. There are only a few reported cases ranging from mild paresthesias to tonic-clonic seizures. 4-aminopyridine enhances neuronal conduction at neuromuscular synapses and is indicated in the treatment of selected neurological disorders including multiple sclerosis (MS) and myasthenia gravis, among others.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • 4-Aminopyridine / adverse effects*
  • Epilepsy, Tonic-Clonic / chemically induced*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Sclerosis / drug therapy
  • Neurotoxicity Syndromes / etiology
  • Potassium Channel Blockers / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Potassium Channel Blockers
  • 4-Aminopyridine