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Brain Morphology of Cannabis Users With or Without Psychosis: A Pilot MRI Study
Published on: August 18, 2020
[Cannabis and cerebrovascular disease]
I Mateo1, J Infante, M Gómez Beldarrain
1Servicio de Neurología, Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla, Santander.
Neurologia (Barcelona, Spain)
|July 13, 2006
Summary
Cannabis use may be linked to ischemic stroke in young adults. This study reviewed cases, suggesting a potential etiological role for cannabis in cerebrovascular events.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Vascular Neurology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Drug use is a known risk factor for cerebrovascular disease in young individuals.
- Cannabis is the most commonly used illicit drug globally.
- Association between cannabis use and cerebrovascular disease is exceptionally rare.
Observation:
- Two young patients (26 and 29 years old) experienced ischemic stroke temporally related to cannabis consumption.
- A literature review identified 18 additional young patients with ischemic stroke associated with cannabis use.
Findings:
- All reported cases involved young individuals presenting with ischemic stroke.
- The temporal association between cannabis consumption and stroke onset was noted in these cases.
Implications:
- While establishing a definitive causal link is challenging due to widespread cannabis use, a potential etiological role in ischemic stroke is suggested.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms and extent of cannabis's contribution to cerebrovascular events in young populations.
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