Journal of Clinical Toxicology
Open Access

Abstract

Toxic Leukoencephalopathy and Delayed Neuropsychosis after Opioid Overdose

Moises Gallegos and Farzad Soleimani

First time neuro-psychiatric disorders in the emergency department present a challenging and broad differential. Physicians often anchor on recent substance abuse as a possible cause of acute mental status change. Overlooked, however, is the occurrence of delayed sequelae as a result of a severe intoxication. This article describes the occurrence of neurologic injury at a delayed interval following an opioid induced episode of prolonged unresponsiveness.