Prolonged coma and delayed peripheral neuropathy after ingestion of phenoxyacetic acid weedkillers.

A case of prolonged coma and delayed peripheral neuropathy is reported following self-poisoning with a widely available domestic weedkiller containing phenoxyacetic acids. Attention is drawn to the potential toxicity of these weedkillers which may be delayed in onset, and to the possibility of spontaneous recovery from neurological abnormalities which may be severe and prolonged or late in onset.