Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 25, 2026

Intracranial Injection of Adeno-associated Viral Vectors
08:47

Intracranial Injection of Adeno-associated Viral Vectors

Published on: November 17, 2010

Intracranial Vascular Complications of "Molly" Usage: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Serena Wong, Mansour Afshani

    Connecticut Medicine
    |May 22, 2018
    PubMed

    Insights

    Molly (MDMA) use can lead to dangerous brain bleeds and strokes, even in healthy individuals. This stimulant drug poses serious cerebrovascular risks, highlighting the need for increased awareness and caution.

    Area of Science:

    • Neuroscience
    • Toxicology
    • Emergency Medicine

    Background:

    • 3,4-methylene-dioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA), known as "Molly" or "ecstasy," is a synthetic drug with stimulant and hallucinogenic properties.
    • Users perceive Molly as safer than other illicit drugs due to a perceived lack of adulterants.
    • MDMA is consumed orally, nasally, or by smoking, often mixed with marijuana.

    Observation:

    • Intracranial hemorrhages have been documented in MDMA users, frequently associated with pre-existing vascular abnormalities.
    • Spontaneous intracranial hemorrhage cases linked to Molly use have been reported, particularly in regions like South Florida.
    • This report details a case of spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage and cerebellar infarction in a healthy patient following Molly ingestion.

    Findings:

    • Molly ingestion can precipitate serious cerebrovascular events, including subarachnoid hemorrhage.
    • Acute cerebellar infarction is a potential complication of Molly abuse.
    • The study highlights a link between recreational MDMA use and acute neurological damage.

    Implications:

    • Increased awareness of Molly's cerebrovascular risks is crucial for healthcare providers.
    • Clinicians should consider MDMA abuse in the differential diagnosis of spontaneous intracranial hemorrhage and stroke.
    • Public health initiatives should address the growing risks associated with Molly consumption.

    More Related Videos

    A Visual Description of the Dissection of the Cerebral Surface Vasculature and Associated Meninges and the Choroid Plexus from Rat Brain12:31

    A Visual Description of the Dissection of the Cerebral Surface Vasculature and Associated Meninges and the Choroid Plexus from Rat Brain

    Published on: November 14, 2012

    Comprehensive Endovascular and Open Surgical Management of Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformations14:58

    Comprehensive Endovascular and Open Surgical Management of Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformations

    Published on: October 20, 2017

    Related Concept Videos

    Increased Intracranial Pressure l: Introduction01:14

    Increased Intracranial Pressure l: Introduction

    Intracranial hypertension is a sustained elevation of intracranial pressure (ICP) above 22 mm Hg. In supine adults, normal ICP is ~7–15 mm Hg.The rigid, nonexpandable cranium contains three components—brain tissue, blood, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)—that total ~1,700 mL in a typical adult: 1,400 mL brain (~80%), 150 mL blood (~10%), and 150 mL CSF (~10%). According to the Monro–Kellie doctrine, total intracranial volume is effectively fixed. When one component expands, CSF and venous blood...
    Increased Intracranial Pressure ll: Pathophysiology01:29

    Increased Intracranial Pressure ll: Pathophysiology

    Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) refers to a potentially life-threatening rise in pressure inside the skull. This usually happens when there is a major change in the volume of brain tissue, blood, or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) — the three components inside the skull. According to the Monro-Kellie doctrine, if the volume of one component increases, the volumes of the other components must decrease to maintain normal pressure. If this does not happen, ICP rises.The process often begins with...
    Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology01:22

    Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology

    Vasogenic edema is a major form of cerebral edema characterized by abnormal accumulation of fluid in the brain’s extracellular space due to disruption of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). The BBB is a specialized structure composed of endothelial cells connected by tight junctions, supported by astrocytic endfeet and a basement membrane. Under normal conditions, it tightly regulates the movement of ions, proteins, and solutes between the bloodstream and brain parenchyma. When this barrier loses...