Serotonin Syndrome Mimicking Intrathecal Baclofen Withdrawal in a Patient with Hereditary Spastic Paraparesis

Serotonin syndrome is a drug-induced condition related to an increased level of serotonin in the brain, which may induce neuromuscular, autonomic and mental symptoms. A 40-year-old woman with hereditary spastic paraparesis (Strumpell-Lorrain disease) with an implanted intrathecal baclofen pump for s...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of rehabilitation medicine. Clinical communications 2020, Vol.3 (1), p.1000026
Main Authors: Goffin, Nicolas, Nguyen, Virginie, Fostier, Michéle, Gustin, Thierry, Deltombe, Thierry
Format: Article
Language:English
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Case Report
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Summary:Serotonin syndrome is a drug-induced condition related to an increased level of serotonin in the brain, which may induce neuromuscular, autonomic and mental symptoms. A 40-year-old woman with hereditary spastic paraparesis (Strumpell-Lorrain disease) with an implanted intrathecal baclofen pump for severe spasticity. Two days after starting a medication known to inhibit serotonin re-uptake (paroxetine), she developed a sudden increase in lower limb spasticity with continuous spasms, fever, tachycardia and hypertension. Intrathecal baclofen withdrawal was excluded, confirming serotonin syndrome. Medications that inhibit serotonin reuptake may induce serotonin syndrome, resulting in increased spasticity in patients with spinal cord lesions, and should be prescribed with caution.
ISSN:2003-0711
2003-0711
DOI:10.2340/20030711-1000026