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Updated: May 25, 2026
10:39
3D-Neuronavigation In Vivo Through a Patient's Brain During a Spontaneous Migraine Headache
Published on: June 2, 2014
Headache after substance abuse: a diagnostic dilemma
A S Kamat1, A F Aliashkevich, J R Denton
1Department of Neurosurgery, Wellington Regional Hospital, Wellington South, Wellington, New Zealand. amskam@gmail.com
Summary
Synthetic cannabinoid use in an 18-year-old male led to a severe headache and perimesencephalic subarachnoid hemorrhage. The study explores the potential link between "herbal highs" and brain bleeding.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Toxicology
- Vascular Surgery
Background:
- Synthetic cannabinoids, often marketed as "herbal highs," are recreational drugs with poorly understood physiological effects.
- Intracranial hemorrhage is a serious medical emergency with various potential causes.
Observation:
- An 18-year-old male presented with a severe global headache one hour after inhaling a substance containing synthetic cannabinoids.
- Neuroimaging revealed a perimesencephalic subarachnoid hemorrhage.
Findings:
- An angiogram identified a small superior cerebellar artery aneurysm as the likely source of the hemorrhage.
- This case suggests a potential association between synthetic cannabinoid use and subarachnoid hemorrhage.
Implications:
- The findings highlight the potential neurovascular risks associated with synthetic cannabinoid consumption.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the relationship between "herbal highs" and intracranial bleeding events.
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