Oculogyric Crisis During Chronic Aripiprazole Therapy: A Diagnostic Challenge in the Emergency Department

TL;DR

This paper discusses a rare case where a patient on long-term aripiprazole developed an oculogyric crisis, highlighting the importance of medication review in emergency settings.

Contribution

The novelty lies in identifying oculogyric crisis as a potential side effect of stable aripiprazole therapy, not just dose escalation.

Findings

Oculogyric crisis can occur during chronic aripiprazole use without recent dose changes.

Medication review is crucial for diagnosing drug-induced dystonia and avoiding unnecessary neurological tests.

Abstract

Oculogyric crisis can occur even during chronic, stable aripiprazole therapy without recent dose escalation. In patients with acute upward eye deviation and an otherwise normal neurologic examination, medication review is key to recognizing drug‐induced dystonia and avoiding unnecessary neurologic workup.

Figures