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Updated: May 11, 2026
05:12
Portable Thermographic Screening for Detection of Acute Wallenberg's Syndrome
Published on: September 19, 2019
'Legal high' associated Wallenberg syndrome
Alok Arora1, Anil Kumar, Muhammad Naeem Raza
1Acute Medicine, Frenchay Hospital, Bristol, UK. alokjarora@hotmail.com
BMJ Case Reports
|May 28, 2013
Summary
This study reports a rare case where consuming
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience and Toxicology
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- 'Legal highs' are synthetic or natural psychotropic substances with unpredictable risks due to unannounced ingredient changes.
- Acute toxicity from recreational drugs frequently requires medical intervention.
- The toxicological profile of 'legal highs' often resembles classical stimulants like cocaine and amphetamines.
Observation:
- A patient presented with acute toxicity after consuming a 'legal high'.
- The patient was diagnosed with a lateral medullary stroke (Wallenberg syndrome).
Findings:
- This case represents the first documented instance of 'legal high' consumption leading to a posterior circulation stroke.
- The chemical properties, pharmacology, and toxicology of 'legal highs' remain poorly understood, complicating risk assessment.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for severe neurological complications from 'legal high' use.
- Further research is needed to understand the specific risks and mechanisms of toxicity associated with novel psychoactive substances.
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