A Case Report of Delayed Neuropsychiatric Sequelae in a Patient Due to Carbon Monoxide Intoxication

Carbon monoxide intoxication leads to hypoxia, which eventually leads to tissue ischemia. Delayed neuropsychiatric syndrome (DNS) can be a consequence and appears in the form of cognitive impairment and movement disorders after a lucid interval. A 58-year-old Korean male was admitted to our hospital with delayed neuropsychiatric sequelae (DNS) after an 11-day lucid interval following recovery from acute carbon monoxide intoxication. We treated him with herbal medication, acupuncture, electroacupuncture, and moxibustion. The effects were assessed by the activity index and Mini Mental State Examination-Korea (MMSE-K) scores, and by changes in gait disturbance. In this case, the clinical symptoms, including gait disturbance, and the activity index and MMSE-K scores, improved after traditional Korean treatment. The findings of this case report suggest that traditional Korean medicine treatment can be effective for treatment of symptoms of delayed neuropsychiatric sequelae due to CO intoxication. Keywords: case report, carbon monoxide intoxication, delayed neuropsychiatric syndrome, Korean oriental medicine, herbal medicine