The initial symptoms of methanol intoxication include
central nervous system depression, headache, dizziness, nausea, lack of coordination, and confusion. Sufficiently large doses cause unconsciousness and death. The initial symptoms of methanol exposure are usually less severe than the symptoms from the ingestion of a similar quantity of ethanol.
[6] Once the initial symptoms have passed, a second set of symptoms arises, from 10 to as many as 30 hours after the initial exposure, that may include blurring, photophobia, snowstorm vision or complete loss of vision,
acidosis, and
putaminal hemorrhages, an uncommon but serious complication.
[7][8] These symptoms result from the accumulation of toxic levels of
formate in the blood, and may progress to death by
respiratory failure. Physical examination may show
tachypnea, and eye examination may show dilated
pupils with
hyperemia of the optic disc and
retinal edema.