Synthetic Cannabinoids/K2 :Recognizing the neurotoxicity of a legal but potentially lethal substance of abuse (S53.004)

Conclusions:Our experience reflects a higher mortality rate than previously reported, which is concerning. Our findings also corroborate with previous reports of a possible reversible cerebral vasoconstriction mechanism for cerebral injury.Severe adverse effects with SCBs are possibly because of their different chemical structure and that they are full agonists at the cannabinoid receptors, compared to THC which is only a partial agonist.Lack of easy access to a commercially available test for K2 compounds also hinders early diagnosis. We anticipate that reported injuries and deaths will significantly increase as detection, and thus recognition improves.Disclosure: Dr. Sheharyar has nothing to disclose. Dr. Jayaraman has nothing to disclose. Dr. Prabhu has nothing to disclose. Dr. Roby has nothing to disclose.

Source: Neurology - April 17, 2017 Category: Neurology Authors: Sheharyar, A., Jayaraman, D. K., Prabhu, A., Roby, D. Tags: General Neurology: Mechanisms and Diagnosis in Overlapping Medical and Neurological Diseases Source Type: research