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Transient quadriceps paresis following cocaine use
1Emergency Department, North Middlesex University Hospital, London, UK.
BMJ Case Reports
|January 8, 2014
Summary
Intranasal cocaine use can cause severe thigh muscle paralysis. Prompt intravenous normal saline (0.9%) administration led to rapid recovery, highlighting a simple treatment for this cocaine-induced complication.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Toxicology
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Cocaine is a potent stimulant with known cardiovascular and neurological risks.
- Muscle damage (rhabdomyolysis) is a potential complication of stimulant abuse.
Observation:
- A 31-year-old male experienced sudden bilateral thigh paralysis hours after intranasal cocaine use.
- Physical examination revealed significant muscle weakness.
Findings:
- Blood tests showed markedly elevated creatine kinase (CK) levels at 3447 u/L, indicating muscle breakdown.
- Renal function remained normal despite the high CK levels.
Implications:
- This case suggests that acute muscle paralysis can be a direct consequence of intranasal cocaine use.
- Intravenous normal saline (0.9%) appears to be an effective and rapid treatment for cocaine-induced rhabdomyolysis.
- Early recognition and treatment can prevent severe complications and ensure quick patient recovery.
