Persistent Neuropsychological Sequelae of Toxic Shock Syndrome

Twelve women, aged 16 to 29 years, were interviewed and examined for possible neuropsychological sequelae 2 to 12 months after they recovered from toxic shock syndrome. Six of the 12 women had symptoms such as difficulty concentrating, headache, recent memory lapses, inability to compute, and loss of other higher integrative functions. Eight patients were found to have electroencephalographic abnormalities. All six symptomatic patients but no asymptomatic patients had abnormal neurologic findings. Abnormalities such as impaired memory and calculation and poorly sustained concentration were found in five of six symptomatic patients but in no asymptomatic patient. Six control subjects, all asymptomatic women aged 17 to 29 years, were interviewed and examined 2 to 12 months after they recovered from postpartum endometritis; these subjects were normal in all parameters tested. A direct effect of the staphylococcal toxin on the central nervous system may be the cause of these sequelae.