Extrapyramidal syndrome presenting as dysphagia: a case report

Am J Hosp Palliat Care. 2008 Oct-Nov;25(5):398-400. doi: 10.1177/1049909108322367.

Abstract

Extrapyramidal symptoms are well-documented complications of therapy with haloperidol, even when small doses are used. Dysphagia, though uncommon, can be quite debilitating and can mimic a paraneoplastic syndrome. It is important to always review the medications the patient is taking and consider them as etiological culprits in any new symptom complex. This report highlights a case of drug-induced dysphagia in a patient receiving haloperidol for obsessive nocturnal thoughts and auditory disturbances.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged, 80 and over*
  • Antipsychotic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Basal Ganglia Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Basal Ganglia Diseases / diagnosis
  • Deglutition Disorders / chemically induced*
  • Deglutition Disorders / diagnosis
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Diphenhydramine
  • Drug Monitoring / methods
  • Female
  • Hallucinations / drug therapy
  • Haloperidol / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Meigs Syndrome / complications
  • Nursing Assessment
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / complications
  • Palliative Care / methods
  • Sleep Wake Disorders / drug therapy

Substances

  • Antipsychotic Agents
  • Diphenhydramine
  • Haloperidol