[jaquelynne]

I have a patient with both traumatic head injury and valium overdose. His blood gasses show respiratory acidosis. What exactly is causing this?

Does an overdose of valium supress respirations? If so, how exactly??

I know head injury can supresses respirations, but is it because of pressure on the pons? (wouldn't that be a pretty late sign?) or disrupting CO2 sensors?

Any help is appreciated!

[GilaRN]

Yes, an acute OD of valium will decrease the resp. drive. Diazepam is a benzodiazepine. These meds work by enhancing a neurotransmitter called GABA. GABA generally inhibit activity in the CNS. This includes the resp drive.

[jaquelynne]

THank you!!!

[GilaRN]

Not a problem.

[phiposurde]

Originally Posted by jaquelynne

I have a patient with both traumatic head injury and valium overdose. His blood gasses show respiratory acidosis. What exactly is causing this?

Originally Posted by jaquelynne

Does an overdose of valium supress respirations? If so, how exactly??

I know head injury can supresses respirations, but is it because of pressure on the pons? (wouldn't that be a pretty late sign?) or disrupting CO2 sensors?

Any help is appreciated!

*** I can add to your first question, it is part of what we call toxidrome. In Emergency medecine we don't really treat the medication itself put more the effect they have. In that case we identifie toxidrome and treat according to those. Here a website that could help
http://fpicjax.org/Toxidromes.htm

for your second question here a website that should help you! It is call the Cushing triad and it is a late sign

http://www.emedmag.com/html/pre/cov/covers/121501.asp. Hope it help you!