Intoxication with Low-Dose Baclofen: A Case Report

One of the most common causes of decreased level of consciousness has many causes, especially in young patients, is drug poisoning. Baclofen is used to reduce muscle spasm and acts through the presynaptic inhibition of motor neurons. Oral intoxication with this drug is not common, if seen, it is due to excessive drug use or underlying renal dysfunction.

Case:

 A 25-year-old woman was brought to our emergency department by her husband with complaining of decreased level of consciousness. The urine sample was sent for toxicology examination and then brain CT scan was done which was normal. After 36 hours she regained consciousness. During a retrospective history taking she stated the baclofen use repeatedly five times a day for two days because of  severe muscle spasms before she came to the hospital.

The most common cause of severe baclofen poisoning is arbitrary use of drugs, and accidental use of the drug causes fewer symptoms. Side-effects of baclofen include drowsiness, convulsions, severe cardiac disorder and coma. What is essential for an emergency medicine specialist is to know that, regardless of the underlying cause of the patientchr('39')s symptoms, the patient must first be stable and pay attention to maintaining the patientchr('39')s airway.