ABSTRACT
Self-poisoning with drugs not described often cause similar problems, which will be managed similarly. Paracetamol remains the most common drug used for self-poisoning in the UK, causing nearly half of all poison admissions to hospitals, and 100–200 deaths each year. Some other self-poisoning drugs are: antidepressants, and Illicit drugs. Many other street drugs are used, and fashion frequently changes. Recent years have seen increasing concerns about "legal highs", drugs that are available legally, although often not for human consumption but in household items such as air fresheners. Alcohol toxicity can cause various neurological symptoms, including seizures and delirium. Drugs such as cocaine can cause status asthmaticus, upper airway obstruction, pulmonary hypertension, barotrauma, and pulmonary oedema. Illicit drug victims are usually young but may have congenital or drug-induced cardiac disease. Immediate neurological complications are likely to be caused by: cerebral vasospasm, intracranial hypertension, hyponatraemic encephalopathy, and seizures.
