Relation Between Acute Administration of Synthetic Cannabinoids and Induction of Epileptic Seizures

Abstract

Objectives: Recently, there has been an obvious increase in the synthetic cannabinoid abuse that can cause severe toxicity and major physical and psychological consequences. Here we have assessed the impacts of synthetic cannabinoids intake on induction of seizures and on electroencephalographic activity, allowing for 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 40 nonusing males were registered in this work. All individuals were determined via a detailed history of substance use and diagnosed according to International Classification of Diseases version 11 as synthetic cannabinoid use disorders, detailed history of seizures from close relatives who witnessed seizure occurrence and its correlation with the last dose of synthetic cannabinoid use and then investigated by long-term electroencephalograph. Results: Seizures were considerably more common in the synthetic cannabinoid using group than in the nonusing group, with the main presenting event in the form of the generalized tonic-clonic seizure. 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 were statistically more significant than in the nonusing group (2.5%), with the most prominent electroencephalographic change in the form of left frontal focus in 22.5% of cases. Conclusion: Synthetic cannabinoid usage has been linked to seizure induction and has been shown to alter electroencephalographic activity.