'Ecstasy'-induced subarachnoid haemorrhage: an under-reported neurological complication?
Gabriel Yin Foo Lee, Grace Wooi Kee Gong, Nikitas Vrodos, Brian Patrick Brophy
Journal of Clinical Neuroscience November 2003 DOI: 10.1016/s0967-5868(03)00151-6 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Case study Case report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 2 |
| Population | Young patients who ingested Ecstasy tablets and suffered subarachnoid haemorrhage |
| Topics | MDMA |
| Key findings | Both patients showed angiographic features consistent with vasculitis following MDMA ingestion, suggesting a possible association between Ecstasy use and subarachnoid haemorrhage. |
Abstract
In the face of escalating recreational use of 'Ecstasy' (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, MDMA), physicians need to be aware of its possible adverse effects. We report two young patients who suffered subarachnoid haemorrhage following ingestion of 'Ecstasy' tablets. Angiographic studies demonstrated features consistent with vasculitis in both cases. Recognition of this association is important and highlights the significance of eliciting a careful drug history, particularly in cases of 'angiogram negative' subarachnoid haemorrhage.
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 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 2
Cites 13
- 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine and 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine destroy serotonin terminals in rat brain: quantification of neurodegeneration by measurement of [3H]paroxetine-labeled serotonin uptake sites. Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics September 1, 1987
- Subjective Reports of the Effects of MDMA in a Clinical Setting Journal of Psychoactive Drugs October 1, 1986
- (±3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine Selectively Damages Central Serotonergic Neurons in Nonhuman Primates JAMA July 1, 1988
- Pathology of deaths associated with "ecstasy" and "eve" misuse. Journal of Clinical Pathology February 1, 1996
- Can Drugs Be Used to Enhance the Psychotherapeutic Process? American Journal of Psychotherapy July 1, 1986
and 8 more in the library