CASE REPORT
Epileptic seizure after ingesting a death cap mushroom in the course of online pseudotherapy for mood disorders – case report
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1
Student Research Group at the Department and Clinic of Neurology, Medical University, Lublin, Poland
2
Department and Clinic of Neurology, Medical University, Lublin, Poland
Corresponding author
Maciej Ludwik Pelc
Student Research Group at the Department and Clinic of Neurology, Medical University, Lublin, Poland
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ABSTRACT
The growing popularity of Internet trends promoting poisonous mushrooms as ‘natural therapies’ poses a risk for public
health. Amanita phalloides is a highly hepatotoxic species that can cause acute liver failure, while neurological complications
are rare. The case is reported of a 57-year-old woman with depression, admitted after a generalized tonic-clonic seizure. She
had ingested dried Amanita phalloides for three weeks, and the day before admission an additional powdered dose, which
caused diarrhea, loss of consciousness, and convulsions. Believing in the therapeutic effect, she had also placed mushroom
fragments in the umbilical region. Laboratory tests showed elevated creatine kinase and mildly increased aminotransferases;
EEG revealed temporo-parieto-occipital abnormalities. Supportive treatment led to clinical improvement. The case highlights
the risks of Internet-based pseudotherapies, and the importance of thorough history-taking.
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