Gas geyser syndrome: An important preventable cause of disabling neurological events

Abstract

To bring to light the greatly hazardous effects of the use of flue less gas geysers in the domestic setting. Over a period of two years (2008 to 2010) twenty six cases were documented as presenting with unexplained neurological events while bathing in an ill ventilated bathroom with a functional flue less gas geyser. The cases were mainly of three distinct prototypes namely seizure like episodes seen in 11 patients, carbon monoxide intoxication in 13 patients with near cardiac arrest in 4, and as a precipitating factor for epilepsy as seen in 2 cases. Out of the 13 cases presenting as carbon monoxide intoxication 4 had subtle cognitive defects and 2 developed early Parkinsonian features on follow up. To increase awareness regarding gas geyser induced epilepsy and associated carbon monoxide intoxication, both of which are entirely preventable conditions. We also wish to emphasize the importance of stringent and universal implementation of gas geyser usage and installation laws.

Odorless inhalant toxic encephalopathy in developing countries household: Gas geyser syndrome

“…on gas geyser syndrome from India reported 26 patients with this syndrome ranging from seizure-like episode to CO intoxication. [ 1 ]…”

“…The electrical supply is erratic in developing countries; as a result, cheaper modes such as gas geyser for heating water for bathing are utilized. [ 1 ] However, these gas geysers emit various toxic gases; one among them is colorless, odorless carbon monoxide (CO). In the past few years, there were reports of unexplained loss of consciousness in the bathroom.…”

A Commentary on the Neurological Findings Associated with Overexposure to Liquefied Petroleum Gas

“…With this has come the development of a cohort of patients, presenting with non-specific symptoms associated with overexposure to LPG. This is commonly referred to as 'Gas Geyser Syndrome', but this has also beenused to describe cases of carbon monoxide (CO) exposure [2]. What further confounds the diagnosis, is the fact that the spectrum of symptoms closely mimics that of the exposure to other gases.…”

Orobuccolingual Dyskinesia

“…This simple economical device in many Indian households may cause significantly disabling neurological events [ Table 1 ]. [ 1 ] The most severe effects are seen in organs with high basal oxygen consumption such as the heart and brain. [ 2 ] Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning should always be considered when a comatose person is found in a confined area with poor ventilation, and the correct diagnosis is confirmed by blood carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) estimation.…”

“…Of the 26 cases of gas geyser syndrome from north India, six developed delayed neurological sequel, four had subtle cognitive defects, and two developed early parkinsonian features. [ 1 ]…”