SINCE THE introduction of phenothiazines, reports have appeared in the medical literature concerning their neurologic side effects. These vary from simple "jitteriness" to the more alarming reactions of Parkinson's syndrome and of rigors simulating tetanus. The course and outcome are generally considered benign in spite of the alarming presenting symptoms which are "more of a shock to the doctor than a threat to the patient."1
As far as can be determined from a review of the recent medical literature, irreversible neurologic damage following these reactions in the pediatric age group has not been reported.2 The purpose of this paper is to describe a case with apparent permanent neurological sequelae associated with phenothiazine ingestion.
Report of a Case
A 5-year-old white boy was admitted to Children's Orthopedic Hospital and Medical Center on Aug 8, 1963. One hour prior to admission he complained of sudden onset of pain and burning