Motor Dysfunction as a Permanent Complication of Methanol Ingestion

Abstract

In a suicidal attempt by a 13-year-old white girl, methanol produced classical immediate symptoms and permanent damage to the central nervous system characterized by severe bilateral optic atrophy, rigidity, spasticity, and hypokinesis. Administration of levodopa has resulted in significant functional relief of the rigidity in this patient. It is suggested that this is the first case report in English describing permanent neurologic sequelae other than optic atrophy as a result of methanol ingestion. The physiologic basis is unknown. Further clinicopathologic correlation should be easily elucidated through reevaluation and longitudinal follow-up of other patients having ingested methanol.