Cocaine-Related Stroke

Cocaine-related stroke is damage to the brain's circulation that can occur after using this substance. Cocaine abruptly alters blood pressure and blood vessels, which raises the risk that blood flow will be interrupted or that brain bleeding will occur.

Warning signs: sudden weakness or numbness in the face, arm, or leg, difficulty speaking or understanding, loss of vision, intense dizziness, or a sudden and very severe headache.

When to seek help? These symptoms constitute an emergency: every minute counts and you should go immediately to an emergency department.

Which professionals are involved? The emergency physician provides the initial care, the cardiologist evaluates the circulatory system, and the psychiatrist can support the approach to substance use. Seeking professional guidance is a key step.