Although glufosinate ammonium herbicides are considered safe when used properly, ingestion of the undiluted form can cause grave outcomes. Recently, we treated a 34-yr-old man who ingested glufosinate ammonium herbicide. In the course of treatment, the patient developed apnea, mental deterioration, and sixth cranial nerve palsy; he has since been discharged with full recovery after intensive care. This case report describes the clinical features of glufosinate intoxication with a focus on sixth cranial nerve palsy. Our observation suggests that neurologic manifestations after ingestion of a "low-grade toxicity herbicide" are variable and more complex than that was previously considered.
Abducens Nerve Diseases/*chemically induced/drug therapy ; Adult ; Aminobutyrates/*poisoning ; Enzyme Inhibitors/poisoning ; Herbicides/*poisoning ; Humans ; Male ; Seizures/chemically induced ; Surface-Active Agents/poisoning ; Unconsciousness/chemically induced