Hypermagnesemic pseudocoma

Arch Intern Med. 1993 May 10;153(9):1130-2.

Abstract

We treated a case of iatrogenic hypermagnesemia that clinically mimicked a central brain-stem herniation syndrome. Hypermagnesemia (magnesium level, 9.85 mmol/L [24 mg/dL]) can cause parasympathetic blockade, inducing fixed and dilated pupils, in addition to neuromuscular blockade. Extreme hypermagnesemia can therefore mimic a midbrain syndrome and cause a pseudocomatose state.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Brain Diseases / diagnosis
  • Brain Stem
  • Coma / chemically induced*
  • Coma / diagnosis
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / complications
  • Diabetic Ketoacidosis / therapy
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Hernia / diagnosis
  • Humans
  • Iatrogenic Disease*
  • Infusions, Intravenous
  • Magnesium / adverse effects*
  • Magnesium / blood
  • Magnesium Sulfate / poisoning
  • Magnesium Sulfate / therapeutic use
  • Medication Errors
  • Syndrome

Substances

  • Magnesium Sulfate
  • Magnesium