Serotonin syndrome: clinical features
Written and reviewed by Dr Ibrahim Imam, Consultant Neurologist. Last reviewed .
Serotonin syndrome: clinical features. The onset is rapid: within minutes. Fully referenced neurology checklist.
Onset features
- The onset is rapid: within minutes
- It starts with agitation and hypervigilance
Features of autonomic hyperactivity
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Neuromuscular features
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Hunter diagnostic criteria
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Alternative diagnostic criteria
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Severity
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References
- Boyer EW, Shannon M. The serotonin syndrome. N Engl J Med 2005; 352:1112-1120.
- Munhoz RP, Moscovich M, Araujo PD, Tieve HAG. Movement disorders emergencies: a review. Arq Neuropsiquiatr 2012; 70:453-461.
- Dunkley EJ, Isbister GK, Sibbritt D, Dawdon AH, Whyte IM. The Hunter Serotonin Toxicity Criteria: simple and accurate diagnostic decision rules for serotonin toxicity. QJM 2003; 96:635-642.
- Werneke U, Jamshidi F, Taylor DM, Ott M. Conundrums in neurology: diagnosing serotonin syndrome-a meta-analysis of cases. BMC Neurol 2016; 16:97.
- Gillman PK. Triptans, serotonin agonists, and serotonin syndrome (serotonin toxicity): a review. Headache 2010; 50:264-272.
