Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 12, 2026
08:49
Rapid In Situ Hybridization using Oligonucleotide Probes on Paraformaldehyde-prefixed Brain of Rats with Serotonin Syndrome
Published on: September 23, 2015
Bilateral sixth nerve palsy associated with MDMA ("ecstasy") abuse
1Department of Ophthalmology, Philipps-University, Germany. schroed2@mailer.uni-marburg.de
American Journal of Ophthalmology
|March 8, 2000
Summary
Methylenedioxymetamphetamine (MDMA) abuse can cause bilateral sixth nerve palsy, leading to double vision. Symptoms resolved after discontinuing MDMA, suggesting a link between ecstasy use and this neurological condition.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-ophthalmology
- Toxicology
- Neurology
Background:
- Bilateral sixth nerve palsy is a rare condition affecting eye movement.
- Methylenedioxymetamphetamine (MDMA), commonly known as "ecstasy," is a recreational drug with known neurological side effects.
Observation:
- A case report details a 17-year-old male experiencing horizontal diplopia (double vision).
- The patient reported a history of methylenedioxymetamphetamine (MDMA) tablet consumption over a two-month period.
- Clinical examination revealed bilateral sixth nerve palsy, impacting both eyes.
Findings:
- The patient's symptoms of horizontal diplopia resolved completely within five days.
- Ocular motility returned to normal without any specific medical intervention or continued MDMA use.
- This suggests a direct, reversible correlation between MDMA abuse and the onset of sixth nerve palsy.
Implications:
- Methylenedioxymetamphetamine (MDMA) abuse should be considered in the differential diagnosis of unexplained bilateral sixth nerve palsy.
- This case highlights the potential neurotoxic effects of recreational drug use on cranial nerves.
- Further research is warranted to understand the mechanism of MDMA-induced sixth nerve palsy.
Related Concept Videos
01:15Myasthenia Gravis: Diagnostic Tests
Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune condition affecting neuromuscular transmission, causing generalized weakness in skeletal muscles. Initial diagnoses rely on patients' signs, symptoms, and medical history. The challenge lies in distinguishing myasthenia from other muscular dystrophies. An important diagnostic feature is the significant improvement of symptoms after administering anticholinesterase inhibitors.
The edrophonium test is a diagnostic tool for myasthenia gravis. It involves...
The edrophonium test is a diagnostic tool for myasthenia gravis. It involves...
01:28Disorders of the Skeletal Muscle
The clinical conditions affecting the skeletal muscle tissue are broadly categorized as musculoskeletal and neuromuscular disorders.
Musculoskeletal disorders
Musculoskeletal disorders involve injuries and conditions affecting the skeletal muscles and associated connective tissues. These disorders can arise from acute biomechanical stresses or chronic overuse and can occur across different age groups. Common injuries include sprains, fractures, and muscular strains, often resulting from...
Musculoskeletal disorders
Musculoskeletal disorders involve injuries and conditions affecting the skeletal muscles and associated connective tissues. These disorders can arise from acute biomechanical stresses or chronic overuse and can occur across different age groups. Common injuries include sprains, fractures, and muscular strains, often resulting from...
01:22CNS Stimulants: Psychedelic Agents
Hallucinogens, also known as psychedelic drugs, are a class of substances known for their ability to alter perception, cognition, and emotions. Despite their profound effects on the mind, these drugs are non-addictive, setting them apart from many other abused substances. The mechanism of action of these drugs lies in their impact on the 5-HT2A receptor in the brain. Upon activation, this receptor couples to Gq-type G proteins, triggering a cascade that releases intracellular calcium. This...
01:22Botulism
Botulism is a life-threatening neuroparalytic condition caused by botulinum neurotoxin, which is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, a Gram-positive, spore-forming, obligate anaerobe.In adults, the toxin enters the body in different ways: in foodborne botulism, the preformed toxin is absorbed in the intestine. In wound botulism, spores grow in injured tissue and release the toxin into the blood. Infant botulism differs mechanistically from adult forms. In infants, botulism commonly...
01:19Multiple Sclerosis l: Introduction
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that affects the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. It is an inflammatory demyelinating disorder and a leading cause of neurological disability in young adults.EpidemiologyMS commonly begins between 20 and 40 years of age and is twice as common in women. Its exact cause remains unclear, but genetic susceptibility contributes, with higher risk in first-degree relatives and identical twins. A greater...
01:11Alterations in Muscle Tone lll
Rigidity and myotonia are distinct abnormalities of muscle tone that affect resistance and relaxation during movement. Although both involve altered muscle contraction, they arise from different neurological and muscular mechanisms.CharacteristicsRigidity is characterized by uniform resistance to passive movement across the entire range, independent of speed, affecting flexors and extensors equally. It may appear as lead-pipe rigidity (smooth, constant resistance) or cogwheel rigidity...