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Cannabis-induced propriospinal myoclonus
Dora A Lozsadi1, Alan Forster, Nicholas A Fletcher
1Walton Centre for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Lower Lane, Fazakerley, Liverpool, United Kingdom. lozsadi@doctors.org.uk
Summary
A young woman experienced sudden myoclonus after inhaling cannabis. Investigations ruled out spinal issues, confirming propriospinal myoclonus via EMG and EEG.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Cannabis use is prevalent, with potential neurological side effects under investigation.
- Myoclonus is a neurological disorder characterized by sudden, involuntary muscle jerks.
Observation:
- A 25-year-old woman presented with episodic, involuntary muscle jerks (myoclonus).
- The myoclonus episodes were directly linked to a single instance of inhaled cannabis exposure.
Findings:
- Diagnostic investigations, including spinal imaging, excluded structural abnormalities as the cause.
- Electromyography (EMG) and electroencephalography (EEG) confirmed the diagnosis of propriospinal myoclonus.
Implications:
- This case highlights a potential, albeit rare, neurological adverse effect of acute cannabis intoxication.
- Further research is warranted to understand the mechanisms linking cannabis use to propriospinal myoclonus.