A Rare Case of Pyrethroid Poisoning Presenting as Auditory Hallucination

Abstract

Many common household insecticides are composed of pyrethroids. They appear as an alternative to the more toxic chemicals including organophosphates with less persistence and toxicity [1]. However, recent studies suggest that they are not entirely harmless and can lead to accidental or voluntary poisoning. Pyrethroid poisoning can occur through ingestion, inhalation, and absorption through the skin. Common side effects of pyrethroid poisoning include local erythema, itching, gastrointestinal manifestations, lacrimation, sweating and convulsions. Specific adverse effects including nephrotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, infertility, hyperglycemia, and hyperlipidemia have also been reported in the literature [2]. Below, we describe a rare presentation of acute auditory hallucinations induced by pyrethroid toxicity in