الفهرس | Only 14 pages are availabe for public view |
Abstract Objectives There has recently a marked rise in abuse of Synthetic Cannabinoids that can cause severe toxicity and major physical and psychological consequences. Here we investigated the effects of synthetic cannabinoids intake on induction of seizures and on electroencephalographic activity allowing exploration of one of the physical hazards that might associate synthetic cannabinoids use helping for better management. Methods Forty male patients using synthetic cannabinoids and forty non-using males were enrolled in the study. All participants were assessed via a detailed history of substance use and diagnosed according to ICD 11 as synthetic cannabinoid use disorders, detailed history of seizures from close relatives who witnessed seizure occurrence and its correlation with last dose of synthetic cannabinoid use and then investigated by long term EEG. Results Seizures were significantly more frequent in synthetic cannabinoid using group than in non-using group, with the main presenting event in the form of generalized tonic clonic seizure (GTC). Seizures occurred within 15 minutes of intake in 81.8 % of patients. Long term electroencephalography showed electroencephalographic changes in 45% of cases using synthetic cannabinoids that was statistically more significant than in non-using group (2.5%), with the most prominent electroencephalographic change in the form of left frontal focus in 22.5% of cases. Conclusion Synthetic cannabinoid use is associated with induction of seizures and could induce changes in electroencephalographic activity. |