Acute strychnine poisoning should be suspected if certain findings are present.
When to suspect acute strychnine poisoning in a patient:
(1) unexplained convulsions, especially in a person without history of epilepsy
(2) use of illicit drugs, especially cocaine
(3) agricultural worker or veterinarian who uses a vermicide, avicide or rodenticide
(4) accidental ingestion by a child of a proprietary tonic or vermicide
(5) suicide or homicide attempt using a vermicide or rodenticide
where:
• A vermicide is used to kill a gastrointestinal parasite.
• An avicide is used to kill birds.
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Specialty: Toxicology, Emergency Medicine, Critical Care
