Revista de Neurología (RN) is published by IMR Press from Volume 79 Issue 11 (2024). Previous articles were published by under the CC-BY-NC-ND licence, and they are hosted by IMR Press on imrpress.com as a courtesy and upon agreement.
Diagnosis of stroke due to cocaine and its complications
, C. Ramón-Carbajo 1,*, L. Benavente-Fernández 1,*, R. Álvarez-Escudero 1,*, N. Zeidan-Ramón 1,*, S. Calleja-Puerta 1,*, J. Pascual 1,*1 Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, 33006 Oviedo, Espana.
*Correspondencia: Dra. Davinia Larrosa Campo. Servicio de Neurología. Hospital Central de Asturias. Celestino Villamil, s/n. E-33006 Oviedo (Asturias).
E-mail: davinialc@gmail.com
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cocaine is an independent cerebrovascular risk factor both for ischaemic and haemorrhagic events, above all among persons under 55 years of age.
CASE REPORT A case report of stroke due to the consumption of cocaine is used to review its pathophysiology and the complexity involved in the management and diagnosis of the associated complications. One of these complications reported in relation to the consumption of cocaine is vasospasm. This condition shares findings observed in ultrasound imaging studies with other conditions, such as early-onset post ischaemic hyperperfusion. Yet, there are important differences between the two as regards their treatment and prognosis.
CONCLUSIONS The consumption of cocaine is associated with cerebrovascular disease through a number of different mechanisms, which each give rise to different complications. By identifying these complications, correct management can be implemented.
Keywords
- Brain SPECT
- Cerebral hyperperfusion
- Cerebral ischaemia
- Cocaine
- Cranial magnetic resonance
- Intracranial vasospasm
- Transcranial Doppler ultrasonography