Recurrent cerebral intraparenchymal hemorrhage after ayahuasca consumption: a case report
Caroline Darold Vieira, Mateus Gustavo Favaro, Renan Barros Lopes, Lucas Gondim Briand Vieira, Giulia Maria Ximenes Verdi, Túlio Maranhão Neto, O. P. Pontes Neto, M. C. Rodrigues
São Paulo Medical Journal 2023 DOI: 10.5327/1516-3180.141s1.422 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Case report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 1 |
| Population | A 57-year-old woman with a history of hemorrhagic stroke after ayahuasca use |
| Topics | Ayahuasca |
| Key findings | Ayahuasca consumption can trigger hemorrhagic stroke, likely through an acute rise in blood pressure mediated by its active component DMT. |
Abstract
Case report: A 57-year-old woman was referred to our service after noticing difficulty in coordinating the movements of the right hand. The symptoms occurred after she consumed ayahuasca in a religious ceremony and persisted after the psychedelic effects weaned off. On the first evaluation, she had right hemiataxia and increased blood pressure (200/100 mmHg). The head computed tomography (CT) scan revealed a left basal ganglia hemorrhage. No abnormalities were found on CT angiography. The patient later reported that a few years earlier, she was diagnosed with a hemorrhagic stroke at another hospital, which also happened within a few hours of ayahuasca intake. However, she has not stopped using it monthly since then.
Discussion: Ayahuasca is a potent plant-based hallucinogenic brew used traditionally for spiritual and medicinal purposes. The substance responsible for its effects is Dimethyltryptamine (DMT), which is known to be a potent serotonin receptor agonist, especially the 5HT2A. This substance may induce an acute raise in blood pressure and consequently trigger a hemorrhagic stroke. To this date, there are no cases reported of hemorrhagic stroke after using this drug.
Conclusion: Although ayahuasca has been associated with spiritual and therapeutic benefits, its potential risks should not be ignored, including serious complications, such as hemorrhagic stroke.