Unintentional silver intoxication following self-medication: an unusual case of corticobasal degeneration

Ann Clin Biochem. 2009 Nov;46(Pt 6):520-2. doi: 10.1258/acb.2009.009082. Epub 2009 Sep 3.

Abstract

Silver toxicity is a rare condition. The most notable feature is a grey-blue discoloration of the skin, argyria, although harmful effects on the liver and kidney may be seen in severe cases. Neurological symptoms are an unusual consequence of silver toxicity. So far no effective treatment has been described for this metal overdose. We report the case of a 75-year-old man who had a history of self-medication with colloidal silver and presented with myoclonic seizures.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Cerebral Cortex / drug effects
  • Colloids / adverse effects
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases / diagnosis
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases / etiology*
  • Silver / toxicity*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Colloids
  • Silver