Multiple Cerebral Infarcts in a Young Patient Associated With Marijuana Use

J Addict Med. 2017 Sep/Oct;11(5):405-407. doi: 10.1097/ADM.0000000000000326.

Abstract

: Cerebrovascular events associated with marijuana use have been reported previously. This association is plausible, but not well-established yet. A 14-year-old girl, long-term heavy cannabis user, presented with generalized tonic-clonic seizures and decreased level of consciousness a few hours after smoking cannabis. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed multiple areas of acute, subacute and chronic ischemic lesions in the left frontal lobe, basal ganglia, and corpus callosum. History of other illicit drug use and other known causes of stroke were ruled out. Cannabis might cause stroke through direct effects on the cerebral blood circulation, orthostatic hypotension, vasculitis, vasospasm, and atrial fibrillation. Long-term daily use of marijuana in young people may cause serious damage to the cerebrovascular system.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Cannabis / adverse effects*
  • Cerebral Infarction / chemically induced*
  • Cerebral Infarction / diagnostic imaging*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Marijuana Smoking / adverse effects*
  • Seizures / chemically induced*