Transient tube-seeing and unconsciousness in a Kung-Fu fighter after
single dose ibuprofen
Abstract
Though neurological/ophthalmologic side effects in form of headache,
vertigo, somnolence, paresthesias, optic neuritis and optic neuropathy
are listed as side effects in the leaflet, transient tube-seeing and
unconsciousness after a single dose of ibuprofen have not been reported.
The patient is a 48yo male who experienced sudden-onset tube-seeing for
a few seconds, followed by unconsciousness for 20 minutes, during which
he was communicating with his boss in a tipsy way, 15 minutes after
having taken 200mg ibuprofen. After awakening, it took 2-3h to regain
his premorbid condition. There was no tongue biting or secessus. Since
blood pressure, blood tests, blood gas analysis, ECG, and EEG were
normal and cerebral MRI only showed non-specific spots in the
subcortical white matter, the condition was attributed to ibuprofen.
This case shows that a single dose of ibuprofen may cause severe side
effects in the form of tube-seeing and unconsciousness. Ibuprofen should
be given with caution as single dosages may cause severe side effects.