A Possible Effect of Concentrated Oolong Tea Causing Transient Ischemic Attack-Like Symptoms

Area of Science:

• Food Science
• Neurology
• Toxicology

Background:

• Oolong tea is a widely consumed beverage with potential health benefits.
• Adverse effects from tea consumption are rare, but a case of transient ischemic attack-like symptoms is presented.
• The patient had pre-existing hypertension and atrial fibrillation, managed with medication.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case of transient ischemic attack-like symptoms following oolong tea consumption.
• To investigate the potential cause of these symptoms, ruling out stroke and other medical conditions.
• To identify any unusual components in the oolong tea that might be responsible.

Main Methods:

• A 72-year-old male presented with acute neurological symptoms after drinking oolong tea.
• Comprehensive medical evaluations, including imaging (CT, MRI, MRA) and cardiac tests, were performed.
• The oolong tea was analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry.

Main Results:

• The patient experienced symptoms including presyncope, disequilibrium, and bilateral hand paresthesias, which resolved within two hours.
• Medical tests confirmed atrial fibrillation but showed no evidence of stroke, hemorrhage, or cardiac malfunction.
• Analysis of the oolong tea revealed expected components like catechins and methylxanthines, with no detected impurities.

Conclusions:

• The transient ischemic attack-like symptoms were unlikely due to stroke, given the rapid onset, bilateral nature of paresthesias, and negative diagnostic tests.
• The symptoms are suggested to be a previously unreported response to components within the oolong tea.
• Further investigation into the specific tea constituents responsible for these symptoms is warranted.