Case report: Psychedelic-induced seizures captured by intracranial electrocorticography
Benjamin N. Blond, Emmanuelle A. D. Schindler
Frontiers in Neurology June 29, 2023 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1214969 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Case study Case report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 1 |
| Population | Person with refractory right temporal lobe epilepsy implanted with a responsive neurostimulation (RNS) system |
| Dose | large dose |
| Keywords | Epilepsy Temporal lobe Adverse effect Anesthesia Drug class Electroencephalography |
| Citations | 11 |
| Key findings | Ingestion of a large dose of psychedelic mushrooms coincided with a large increase in typical seizure frequency in a person with refractory right temporal lobe epilepsy. |
Abstract
Classic psychedelics are currently re-emerging as therapeutic agents with unique clinical benefits; however, it is also important to recognize the adverse effects of this drug class. While the risk of seizures with this drug class is known, the literature is lacking in detail. We present a case of psychedelic mushroom-induced seizures in a person with refractory right temporal lobe epilepsy implanted with a responsive neurostimulation (RNS) system. A large increase in typical seizure frequency coincided with the ingestion of a large dose of the mushrooms. This is the first reported case of electrographically confirmed seizures associated with classic psychedelic drug use. With the surge of research and movements toward the clinical application of classic psychedelic compounds, the risk for drug-induced seizures should be considered, including factors such as a history of epilepsy and drug doses and regimens.