Atypical Presentation of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning with Aphasia

A 49-year-old male presented to the emergency department (ED) via EMS with a chief complaint of altered mental status. Per emergency medical services (EMS), the patient was found confused in his truck with a generator running nearby. The patient was aphasic but did not exhibit any other focal or lateralizing deficits. He was able to communicate by writing clearly and coherently on a sheet of paper. His initial carboxyhemoglobin was 29%, confirming the diagnosis of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Results

d)  100% O2 via a non-rebreather mask   The patient was treated with 100% O2 via a non-rebreather mask and regained his speech during his ED (emergency department) course. The patient was ultimately hospitalized for continued oxygen treatment and serial examinations. This case highlights the varied presenting symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning as well as the importance of including a broad differential diagnosis while working up patients with a focal neurologic deficit.

d)  100% O2 via a non-rebreather mask

 

The patient was treated with 100% O2 via a non-rebreather mask and regained his speech during his ED (emergency department) course. The patient was ultimately hospitalized for continued oxygen treatment and serial examinations. This case highlights the varied presenting symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning as well as the importance of including a broad differential diagnosis while working up patients with a focal neurologic deficit.

#1. What should be the further course of intervention for this patient?

100% O2 via Venturi mask

100% O2 via Venturi mask

50% O2 via Simple oxygen mask

50% O2 via Simple oxygen mask

50% O2 via a rebreather mask

50% O2 via a rebreather mask

100% O2 via a non-rebreather mask

100% O2 via a non-rebreather mask

Finish