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Introduction: Alcohol use disorder is a global health concern with various complications, including pellagra, often overlooked due to its rarity. This case explores the neurological presentation of pellagra in a long-term alcohol and substance abuser, emphasizing the diagnostic challenges in resource-constrained settings. Case presentation: A 36-year-old male with a history of substance abuse presented with multiple symptoms, including hallucinations and neurological deficits. His complex clinical history included alcohol dependence, seizures, and relapses. Physical and neurological examinations revealed characteristic signs of pellagrous encephalopathy. Laboratory findings confirmed anemia and a fatty liver. Discussion: Alcoholic pellagrous encephalopathy (APE) presents a diagnostic challenge due to its atypical symptoms, overlapping with other alcohol-related disorders. Niacin deficiency, central to its pathogenesis, affects neurotransmitter synthesis, contributing to neurological symptoms. Diagnosis relies on clinical presentation, but laboratory tests for niacin levels can aid in confirmation. Neuroimaging can exclude alternative causes. This case underscores the importance of considering pellagrous encephalopathy in alcohol-related disorders with neurological symptoms. Conclusion: This case underscores the importance of recognizing atypical presentations of APE in chronic alcohol-dependent individuals. Prompt diagnosis, nutritional correction, and addressing alcohol use are vital for successful management. Healthcare providers must be aware of the diagnostic complexities and socioeconomic barriers hindering timely intervention in APE.
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Background: Ketorolac is a commonly used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug for reducing pain and inflammation. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency that occurs after exposure to an allergen, with a varied clinical presentation requiring prompt and appropriate measures to prevent or manage it. Although uncommon, ketorolac can cause anaphylaxis requiring immediate medical care. The authors present two cases of anaphylaxis in females induced after oral intake of ketorolac with successful outcomes. Case presentations: The cases involve two adult women who experienced an allergic reaction to ketorolac. The first woman, aged 36, and the second woman, aged 26, on her second postpartum day, both developed similar types of symptoms like periorbital swelling, itching, and difficulty breathing after taking oral ketorolac. The second woman had a history of allergic rashes. They received immediate treatment with epinephrine, oxygen therapy, intravenous fluids, and other medications. They showed a rapid improvement and were discharged after observation. Clinical discussion: Anaphylactic reactions to ketorolac, a commonly used pain management drug, have been reported. Symptoms include swelling, difficulty breathing, and hypotension. Treatment involves medications like epinephrine, hydrocortisone, and pheniramine. A detailed medical history, laboratory investigations, appropriate medication, oxygen therapy, and follow-up care are important in managing anaphylactic reactions, which can be life-threatening. Conclusion: Although rare, ketorolac can cause anaphylactic reactions in patients with or without a history of drug allergy. Immediate recognition and management are essential, along with a detailed medical history and follow-up care.
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Introduction and importance: Oculogyric crisis (OGC), marked by upward eye deviation, is rare and linked to diverse causes, including drugs and neurological conditions. This study details a 16-year-old male's OGC onset after olanzapine treatment for an initial mania episode, highlighting the need to recognize this potential side effect. Case presentation: A 16-year-old male with nonpsychotic mania was treated with olanzapine and sodium valproate. On day 30, he developed OCG due to olanzapine, managed with medication. After discharge, similar ocular symptoms emerged. Gradual olanzapine tapering alongside anticholinergic administration led to symptom relief. The Young Mania Rating Scale score decreased; psychoeducation was provided to the patient and family. Discussion: This study presents an exceptional case of olanzapine-induced OGC, a rare dystonic eye movement reaction. The patient's presentation matched OGC criteria, confirmed by a high Adverse Drug Reaction Probability Scale score. Unusually, symptoms appeared 30 days postolanzapine initiation. A thorough assessment ruled out alternative causes. Mechanisms, possibly related to dopamine-choline balance and receptor sensitivity, remain uncertain. Despite atypical antipsychotics' lower risk, olanzapine's moderate D2 receptor binding led to this unusual response. Management involved dose reduction and anticholinergic therapy. Conclusion: This case report highlights the rare occurrence of olanzapine-induced OCG in a patient with nonpsychotic mania. Effective management requires proper history taking, examination, regular follow-up, monitoring, and appropriate medication use. The case demonstrates the need for caution when increasing olanzapine dose in manic patients with untreated mental illness and a history of neurological symptoms.
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The ongoing nationwide lockdown due to the global pandemic COVID-19 started from March 24, 2020, in Nepal. Lots of medical students are in dilemma about how to utilize this time to make it more productive. To live a good life, we must be able to balance our life in general so, we can use this time to discover ourselves. It is equally important to adjust to the global pandemic and help locally to combat the current situation. This difficult time demands resilience. This article focuses on some ideas to discover ourselves and develop resilience within us.
