Acute toxic hippocampal encephalopathy in heavy cannabis users: A case report

Abstract

Cannabis use is increasing rapidly among young people worldwide despite the deleterious effects of this toxic substance on health. We report a case of acute hippocampal encephalopathy in a heavy cannabis user (8-10 joints/d for 6 years) who presented with a nonfebrile status epilepticus. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed bilateral and symmetrical high-signal abnormalities in the hippocampal regions. The damage to these regions is often severe, long-lasting, and sometimes irreversible. Therefore, every doctor (emergency doctor, resuscitator, neurologist...) is asked to request a brain MRI in case of neurological signs in a young cannabis user.

Keywords

• Cannabis
• Brain MRI
• Encephalopathy
• Hippocampus
• Case report