Acute Irreversible Hippocampal Toxic Encephalopathy Secondary to Cannabis Use: A Case Report
Z. Kaichouh, Zakaria El Hernoussi, Walid Chari, M. Lahlou, Touiaba Ibn Sedik, L. Belkouchi, H. El Hamzaoui, A. Benhlima, Manal Arfaoui, M. Alilou
Scholars Journal of Medical Case Reports May 18, 2023 DOI: 10.36347/sjmcr.2023.v11i05.048 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Case study Case report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 1 |
| Population | 32-year-old male patient with chronic cannabis use |
| Topics | Cannabis |
| Key findings | The authors report a 32-year-old man with chronic cannabis use who developed status epilepticus and acute irreversible hippocampal toxic encephalopathy confirmed by MRI. Seizures were refractory to sedation and anti-epileptic therapy up to four drugs, and he relapsed after initially regaining consciousness. The authors argue that this rare, potentially life-threatening complication should be considered in chronic cannabis users. |
Abstract
This case report presents a rare and severe complication of cannabis use in a 32-year-old male patient. The patient presented with status epilepticus and was found to have acute irreversible hippocampal toxic encephalopathy confirmed by MRI. Despite aggressive treatment with sedation and anti-epileptic therapy up to quad therapy, the patient's seizures were refractory to treatment. The patient initially regained consciousness, but later suffered a relapse of status epilepticus and respiratory distress. This case highlights the importance of considering acute irreversible hippocampal toxic encephalopathy as a potential complication of chronic cannabis use, and the need for healthcare professionals to be aware of this serious and potentially life-threatening condition.
Comparable studies
Other case reports and case series on cannabis, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hallucinogen persisting perception disorder after psilocybin consumption: a case study 18-year-old man with HPPD after mixed psilocybin and cannabis intoxication | 2005 | Case study | n = 1 |
| Cannabis‐induced Koro in Americans American men aged 22-26 with years of cannabis experience who reported negative... | 2001 | Case series | n = 3 |
| “Hallucinations” Following Acute Cannabis Dosing: A Case Report and Comparison to Other Hallucinogenic Drugs Healthy 30-year-old male | 2018 | Case study | n = 1 |
| Hallucinogen persisting perception disorder: A literature review and three case reports Patients with hallucinogen persisting perception disorder | 2018 | Case series | n = 3 |
| Cannabis Psychosis in Young Psychiatric Inpatients Consecutive psychiatric hospital admissions of patients aged 35 and under | 1986 | Case study | n = 25 |