Bilateral fracture of the proximal humerus associated with a seizure episode after acute alcoholic intoxication: a case report

Resumo

Alcohol consumption is currently rising, especially among young people and adults. Acute alcohol intoxication can lead to intense convulsive episodes, among other harmful consequences to health. The vigorous tonic-clonic muscle spasms of seizures can be associated with bilateral proximal humerus fractures with posterior shoulder dislocation, which are rare, especially if atraumatic. The present paper reports the case of a 48-year-old man who presented with intense metabolic acidosis associated with seizures after drinking copious amounts of alcohol. He was diagnosed with a bilateral proximal humerus fracture and posterior dislocation on the right, which was revealed after physical examination and radiography of the upper limbs. The patient underwent surgical reduction of the right humerus fracture and partial arthroplasty of the left shoulder, which was essential for restoring the functionality of these structures. The clinic in the post-ictal period represents a challenging entity, but the early diagnosis not only of fractures, but also of hydroelectrolytic disorders, was decisive for the satisfactory evolution of the case. It is therefore essential to carry out a detailed anamnesis with a meticulous physical examination in patients with conditions similar to the reported, so important alterations such as those described will not pass unnoticed.