Strychnine poisoning is an unusual but dramatic poisoning in which convulsions are the
major threat to life. Convulsions are predominately at the spinal level, and the key to
recognition of this poisoning is observation of convulsive activity in the awake patient without
a postictal phase. Successful treatment requires aggressive airway control and treatment of
seizures with benzodiazepines or barbiturates. Neuromuscular blockade may be required.
Gastrointestinal decontamination is usually indicated in recent acute ingestions but may …