ABSTRACT

Methyl bromide (CH3Br) is a halogenated aliphatic hydrocarbon that may cause acute and chronic toxicities. We describe a case of a 44-year-old male patient who developed toxic brain syndrome (TBS) and central nervous system (CNS) toxicity after exposure to CH3Br by inhalation. Toxicity began with progressive nervousness, dysarthria and coordination disorder. The complaints on admission to the hospital were speech defect, balance disorder, consciousness disorder and involuntary movements. The patient was treated symptomatically in the intensive care unit (ICU), and organic reasons were excluded. Findings in the magnetic resonance imaging were considered secondary demyelination related to systemic intoxication. Because of the CH3Br, alkylates the crucial sulfhydryl-containing enzymes, N-acetylcysteine was used as a source of sulfhydryl groups for the treatment of the patient. He was hospitalised for nearly 1.5 months in the ICU.

Keywords: Methyl bromide, poisoning, central nervous system toxicity