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Published on: May 22, 2019
Recreational drug misuse and stroke
Michael Yeung1, Ajay Bhalla, Jonathan Birns
1Department of Ageing & Health, St Thomas' Hospital, London, UK. mhpyeung@hotmail.com
Current Drug Abuse Reviews
|December 14, 2011
Summary
Recreational substance misuse, including cocaine and amphetamines, is an underestimated cause of acute stroke in young adults. This review highlights the link between substance abuse and both ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Toxicology
- Public Health
Background:
- Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability globally.
- While common in older adults due to vascular risk factors, strokes in younger individuals often have atypical causes.
- Recreational substance misuse is rising, particularly among young adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evidence linking recreational substance misuse to acute stroke.
- To discuss the potential pathophysiological mechanisms involved.
- To emphasize the underestimation of substance misuse as a stroke etiology in younger populations.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on recreational substance misuse and stroke.
- Analysis of reported cases of ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes associated with substance abuse.
- Discussion of pathophysiological pathways connecting substance use to cerebrovascular events.
Main Results:
- Recreational substances like cocaine, amphetamines, and GHB are associated with increased stroke risk.
- Both ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes can be triggered by substance misuse.
- The link between substance abuse and stroke is often overlooked in clinical practice.
Conclusions:
- Substance misuse is a significant, yet underestimated, cause of stroke in young adults.
- Understanding these links is crucial for effective stroke prevention and management in this demographic.
- Further research into the specific mechanisms is warranted.
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