Neurological Mind Boggler 340
Coma and small pupils

You are asked to review a 65 year-old man who is comatose (GCS 3) with small pupils (2 mm bilaterally). He has a history of diabetes mellitus and bipolar disorder. He was discharged from hospital yesterday, following a surgical procedure.

CCC Critical Care compendium 340
Cyanide Poisoning

Cyanide is a potentially lethal toxic agent that can be found in liquid and gaseous form. First discovered in 1786 by Scheele, who extracted it from the dye Prussian blue - and promptly died from exposure to the vapours

CCC Critical Care compendium 340
Salicylate Poisoning

Salicylate poisoning: mechanisms of toxicity: acid-base disturbance, uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation, disordered glucose metabolism

CCC Critical Care compendium 340
Diaphragmatic Palsy

Diaphragmatic Palsy: unilateral can be asymptomatic depending on patients underlying respiratory reserve; bilateral -> most mechanical ventilation dependent