Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
Pivot Concepts:   Target Concepts:
Query: UMLS:C0344232 (blurred vision)
 2,072 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

We studied a patient with a cerebellar degeneration and hyperactive vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR). He complained of oscillopsia and blurred vision with head movement. A twofold increase in VOR gain (peak eye velocity/peak head velocity) at high frequencies was associated with a VOR time constant of 6 seconds (low normal). Visual cancellation ("suppression") of the VOR and smooth pursuit were also abnormal. We hypothesized that his high VOR gain was due to dysfunction of olivocerebellar projections. Physostigmine reduced his VOR gain, consistent with the hypothesis that these projections are cholinergic.
 ...
PMID:Hyperactive vestibulo-ocular reflex in cerebellar degeneration: pathogenesis and treatment. 379 39

Jimson weed (Datura stramonium, a member of the Belladonna alkyloid family) is a plant growing naturally in West Virginia and has been used as a home remedy since colonial times. Due to its easy availability and strong anticholinergic properties, teens are using Jimson weed as a drug. Plant parts can be brewed as a tea or chewed, and seed pods, commonly known as "pods" or "thorn apples," can be eaten. Side effects from ingesting jimson weed include tachycardia, dry mouth, dilated pupils, blurred vision, hallucinations, confusion, combative behavior, and difficulty urinating. Severe toxicity has been associated with coma and seizures, although death is rare. Treatment consists of activated charcoal and gastric lavage. Esmolol or other beta-blocker may be indicated to reduce severe sinus tachycardia. Seizures, severe hypertension, severe hallucinations, and life-threatening arrhythmias are indicators for the use of the anticholinesterase inhibitor, Physostigmine. This article reviews the cases of nine teenagers who were treated in hospitals in the Kanawha Valley after ingesting jimson weed. We hope this article will help alert primary care physicians about the abuse of jimson weed and inform health officials about the need to educate teens about the dangers of this plant.
 ...
PMID:The dangers of jimson weed and its abuse by teenagers in the Kanawha Valley of West Virginia. 927 42