Recovery from spinal cord infarction associated with cannabis use

The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 2017 · DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2016.1258969 · Published: July 1, 2017

Spinal Cord Injury Mental Health Neurology

Simple Explanation

This case report discusses a 25-year-old male who experienced acute spinal cord ischemia (ASCIS) shortly after smoking cannabis. The patient presented with bilateral lower extremity paralysis and was found to have spinal cord infarction on MRI. Although a direct causal link is difficult to establish, the temporal relationship suggests a possible association between cannabis use and ASCIS.

Study Duration

6-day hospital stay

Participants

25-year-old male

Evidence Level

Case Report

Key Findings

1
A 25-year-old male experienced ASCIS 20 minutes after smoking cannabis, with no other significant risk factors for stroke.
2
MRI findings were consistent with spinal cord infarction, showing diffuse abnormal signal intensity in the spinal cord.
3
The patient showed improvement during his hospital stay and rehabilitation, regaining motor function and continence.

Research Summary

This case report presents a rare instance of acute spinal cord ischemia (ASCIS) in a young male following cannabis use. The patient's lack of traditional risk factors and the temporal proximity of cannabis use to the onset of symptoms suggest a possible association. While a definitive causal relationship cannot be established, this case highlights the potential risks associated with cannabis use and warrants further investigation.

Practical Implications

Increased Awareness

The medical community and general public should be aware of the potential, though rare, association between cannabis use and spinal cord ischemia.

Further Research

Further research is needed to investigate the mechanisms by which cannabis might contribute to cerebrovascular and spinal cord events.

Clinical Vigilance

Clinicians should consider cannabis use as a potential precipitating factor in cases of ASCIS, especially in young patients without traditional risk factors.

Recovery from spinal cord infarction associated with cannabis use

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Increased Awareness

Further Research

Clinical Vigilance

Study Limitations

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Recovery from spinal cord infarction associated with cannabis use

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Increased Awareness

Further Research

Clinical Vigilance

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?