Abstract Details

Title Neurological Manifestations Associated with Synthetic Cannabinoid Use – A Case Series

Topic General Neurology

Presentation(s) P8 - Poster Session 8 (8:00 AM-9:00 AM)

Poster/Presentation
Number 6-010

Objective NA

Background Synthetic cannabinoid (SC) use is a growing public health concern. Originally developed to research the effects of marijuana, they have emerged as drugs of abuse. To mimic bliss effects of marijuana, several SC compositions are routinely manufactured and sprayed onto plant material, being sold under brand name "Spice" or "K2". The abuse potential of these chemicals is high with dangerous neurological and psychiatric effects. Users present with a constellation of unrelated symptoms linked to the compounds

Design/Methods We performed a cross-sectional study involving a retrospective review of medical records of multiple patients with SC toxicity. Clinical characteristics, differential diagnosis and toxicology results were evaluated

Results A cluster of four independent cases were found positive for SC intoxication, where the patients were initially diagnosed with stroke or seizure. Additionally, they also experienced a spectrum of anxiety, delirium, and aggressive behaviors. Upon further evaluation and subsequent toxicological screens, the patients were found to be positive for SCs.

Conclusions Our case series sheds light on the different neurological manifestations of SC drugs. The special tests that are designed to spot these chemicals are not FDA approved or readily available making it extremely difficult to detect, partially contributing to their popularity. SCs can cause or precipitate various neurological manifestations prompting physicians towards ordering extensive investigations and unnecessary procedures, while critically trying to analyze various differential diagnosis such as autoimmune encephalitis. With an insight into drug history, physicians can avoid falling into the trap and thus can decrease the cost burden of care in these patients. An effective FDA approved test can tremendously help the health care providers to promptly diagnose the patients and direct the therapy.Clinicians should be aware of the different neurological and psychiatric manifestations of the toxicity. Increased recognition and reporting between healthcare and public health personnel are strongly warranted to combat this epidemic.

Authors/Disclosures
Marwa A. Elnazeir, MD (University of Louisville, Adult Neurology) PRESENTER	Dr. Elnazeir has nothing to disclose.
	No disclosure on file
Riwaj Bhagat, MD (Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center)	Dr. Bhagat has nothing to disclose.
Pradeepthi Badugu, MBBS	Dr. Badugu has nothing to disclose.
	No disclosure on file
Tamour Khan Tareen, MD, MBBS (Atrium Health - Wake Forest Medical School)	Dr. Tareen has nothing to disclose.
Adriana E. Palade, MD (Univ/Louisville Phys Neurology)	Dr. Palade has nothing to disclose.

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Abstract Details