Intracranial Pressure-Guided Therapy in 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)-Induced Cerebral Edema: A Case Report
Haytham Khalifa, Mohamed Abdulmajeed
Cureus August 1, 2025 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.90328 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Case study Case report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 1 |
| Population | 21-year-old woman with MDMA toxicity and hyponatremia |
| Interventions | endotracheal intubation careful correction of hyponatremia |
| Duration | Discharged from intensive care within four days |
| Topics | MDMA |
| Citations | 2 |
| Key findings | ICP-guided management of cerebral edema and hyponatremia led to full recovery in a patient with severe MDMA toxicity. |
Abstract
3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), commonly called ecstasy, is a synthetic stimulant popular among young adults. Although its psychoactive effects are sought after, MDMA can lead to serious complications, including neurological and cardiovascular crises. Severe toxicity, although uncommon, may result in cerebral edema, hyponatremia, seizures, or death. We describe the case of a 21-year-old woman who collapsed after taking MDMA and drinking large volumes of water. On arrival at the hospital, she was found to have significant cerebral edema and low sodium. After endotracheal intubation and transfer to a tertiary center, she was managed with intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring and careful correction of hyponatremia. She made a full recovery and was discharged from intensive care within four days. This report highlights how ICP-guided management can help optimize care and reduce risks in patients with MDMA-related cerebral edema.
Comparable studies
Other case reports and case series on MDMA, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 'Eve' and 'Ecstasy'. A report of five deaths associated with the use of MDEA and MDMA Individuals whose deaths were associated with MDMA or MDEA use | 1987 | Case series | n = 5 |
| Pathology of deaths associated with "ecstasy" and "eve" misuse. Young white men aged 20 to 25 who died after using ring-substituted amphetamines (MDMA... | 1996 | Case series | n = 7 |
| 'Eve' and 'Ecstasy' Individuals who died after using MDMA or MDEA | 1987 | Case series | n = 5 |
| A Method of Conducting Therapeutic Sessions with MDMA Clients with clear therapeutic purpose, excluding those with serious functional... | 1998 | Case study | n = 2 |
| Diversity of Psychopathology Associated with use of 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (‘Ecstasy’) Psychiatric patients presenting between 1990 and 1992 whose symptoms developed in the... | 1994 | Case series | n = 13 |