Carbon monoxide encephalopathy: need for appropriate treatment.

The authors describe severe psychiatric and neurological sequelae in a patient who suffered carbon monoxide poisoning as a result of a suicide attempt. A review of the literature revealed that 15 to 40% of survivors of carbon monoxide poisoning develop neuropsychiatric symptoms, often following a period of apparent recovery. The authors advocate an aggressive treatment approach to carbon monoxide poisoning, emphasize the diagnostic value of extensive laboratory testing, and suggest that 2 to 4 weeks of bedrest may prevent delayed neuropsychiatric sequelae.