The decreased use of bromides as sedatives and anticonvulsants has reduced the incidence of bromism. However, since the drug continues to be available with or without a prescription, bromide intoxication remains a hazard.
Bromide poisoning was frequently recognized for 25 years following a report by Wuth in 1927.1 Wagner and Bunbury2 found an incidence of 7.7% in 1,000 consecutive patients (serum bromide over 75 mg/100 ml) admitted to a psychiatric hospital in 1930. In 1951, a total of 36 such cases were discovered in one year in a North Carolina clinic.3 This report emphasizes the need for continued awareness of the entity and offers an additional approach to treatment.
Report of a Case
A 47-year-old white man (MCGH No. 469421) was admitted to the hospital on Aug 20, 1962, 24 hours after his arrest for "intoxication." He was brought to the hospital because of increasing confusion and