Laburnum
Laburnum anagyroides (syn. Cytisus laburnum) · Plant · Fabaceae
Laburnum is primarily indicated in states of acute poisoning or collapse, particularly in children. The patient presents with profound nervous system depression, dilated pupils, and general coldness. Mental indifference and drowsiness are marked, along with intense vertigo that prevents sitting upright.
Key symptoms
- Intense vertigo even while lying down, unable to sit upright
- Pupils dilated, sometimes unequally dilated
- Convulsions with insensibility and drowsiness
- Muscular twitchings about the face
- General collapse with cold skin and imperceptible pulse
- Head hot with mental indifference
- Waving motions of arms and convulsive drawing up of legs alternately
- Passing of large quantities of grass-green urine followed by relief
- Rigid backward throwing of the head
Worse (aggravation)
- Attempting to sit upright
- Motion
Better (amelioration)
- Copious urination (green urine)
- Hot enema of strong coffee
- Warmth (blankets and hot bottles)
Cytisus laburnum. N. O. Leguminosæ. Tincture or trituration of seeds. Tincture of fresh bark.
Clinical
Convulsions. Eyes, affections of. Hydrocephalus. Vertigo.
Characteristics
All parts of this well-known ornamental tree are poisonous, our knowledge of it being derived chiefly from the accidental poisoning of children who have eaten the pea-like seeds and pods. Here is a typical case: W. G., æt. 10, ate eight to ten seeds. Five or ten minutes after began to sweat, but soon became cold and shivering, skin pale, pulse scarcely perceptible, general collapse. Pupils dilated, is drowsy and giddy, but in no pain. Emetics and brandy were given, but after an hour of this there was no improvement. An enema of hot strong coffee was now given, the patient was wrapped in blankets, and hot bottles applied. The collapse then gradually passed off (Brit. Med. Jour., Sept. 26, 1891).─The giddiness is intense and in some cases peculiar: "Constant vertigo, even while lying; if she attempted to sit upright, she immediately fell …
Classical texts are in the public domain. Educational reference only — not medical advice.
