Acute Reversible Convergent Strabismus Following Accidental Lorazepam Ingestion in a Child: A Rare Ocular Manifestation of Benzodiazepine Toxicity

Benzodiazepine intoxication in children commonly manifests with central nervous system depression, hypotonia, and ataxia. Ocular motor abnormalities are uncommon and may mimic serious neurological disorders, frequently prompting urgent neuroimaging. We report the case of an eight-year-old boy who presented with sudden-onset convergent strabismus approximately 30 minutes after accidental ingestion of 10 mg of lorazepam. On admission, he was hemodynamically stable with a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 15/15. Neurological examination was unremarkable except for acute esotropia. Brain computed tomography revealed no abnormalities, and urine toxicology screening was positive for benzodiazepines. The patient was managed conservatively with close clinical observation without administration of flumazenil. Complete spontaneous resolution of the ocular deviation occurred within 12 hours. This case highlights that isolated acute strabismus may represent a rare but reversible manifestation of benzodiazepine intoxication in children. Awareness of this presentation may help clinicians consider toxicological causes in the differential diagnosis and avoid unnecessary invasive investigations.

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Publication Details

Journal
Cureus
Published
2026-03-17
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.105405
Primary Topic
Drug-Induced Ocular Toxicity
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article
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article

Acute Reversible Convergent Strabismus Following Accidental Lorazepam Ingestion in a Child: A Rare Ocular Manifestation of Benzodiazepine Toxicity

Lamya Karboubi, Omayma El Athmani, Leila Debono, Nour Mekaoui et al.
Cureus
Drug-Induced Ocular Toxicity
article

Acute Reversible Convergent Strabismus Following Accidental Lorazepam Ingestion in a Child: A Rare Ocular Manifestation of Benzodiazepine Toxicity

Lamya Karboubi, Omayma El Athmani, Leila Debono, Nour Mekaoui, Youssef Jeddi
article en

Abstract

Benzodiazepine intoxication in children commonly manifests with central nervous system depression, hypotonia, and ataxia. Ocular motor abnormalities are uncommon and may mimic serious neurological disorders, frequently prompting urgent neuroimaging. We report the case of an eight-year-old boy who presented with sudden-onset convergent strabismus approximately 30 minutes after accidental ingestion of 10 mg of lorazepam. On admission, he was hemodynamically stable with a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 15/15. Neurological examination was unremarkable except for acute esotropia. Brain computed tomography revealed no abnormalities, and urine toxicology screening was positive for benzodiazepines. The patient was managed conservatively with close clinical observation without administration of flumazenil. Complete spontaneous resolution of the ocular deviation occurred within 12 hours. This case highlights that isolated acute strabismus may represent a rare but reversible manifestation of benzodiazepine intoxication in children. Awareness of this presentation may help clinicians consider toxicological causes in the differential diagnosis and avoid unnecessary invasive investigations.

CureusVol. 18(3)
Mohammed V University (MA), Ibn Sina Hospital (KW)
Zero hunger
Openalex Percentile: Top 19%
Drug-Induced Ocular Toxicity
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