Carbon monoxide intoxication due to waterpipe smoking as cause of a seizure in an adolescent: a case report

Abstract

Waterpipe smoking has become increasingly popular in Western Europe, particularly among young people. Since the smoke passes through water, it is commonly perceived as less harmful than cigarette smoking. We report a case of a 13-year-old boy who presented himself with a tonic epileptic insult after waterpipe smoking. Especially in young adults presenting with an atypical presentation, clinicians should think of the possibility of a carbon monoxide intoxication. A fortiori, more attention is needed to carbon monoxide intoxication because it can have a lifetime of effects in young adults.