Acute multifocal neuropathy following cocaine inhalation.
BACKGROUND
We report a young man, not a habitual cocaine user, who developed an acute multifocal neuropathy following a second exposure to inhaled cocaine.


METHODS
Case report.


RESULTS
Clinical and electrophysiological findings suggested an acute multiple mononeuropathy following cocaine exposure. Imaging of the shoulder and pelvic girdles revealed multifocal denervation in selected proximal muscles. The patient was empirically treated with intravenous steroids to good effect.


CONCLUSIONS
Cocaine use, although usually affecting the central nervous system, does produce peripheral nerve disease in rare instances. This unusual pattern of neurological involvement needs to be differentiated from the more common symptoms resulting from affection of the brain.
Apollo Victor Hospital, Malbhat, Margao, Goa 403 601, India; NeuroCare, Pereira Plaza, Margao, Goa 403 601, India. Electronic address: adesouza1@gmail.com.
Aaron
A
de Souza
Apollo Victor Hospital, Malbhat, Margao, Goa 403 601, India.
Paresh K
PK
Desai
NeuroCare, Pereira Plaza, Margao, Goa 403 601, India.
Rainha J
RJ
de Souza
D000293:Adolescent; D003042:Cocaine / Q000506:poisoning*; D006801:Humans; D001239:Inhalation; D008297:Male; D011115:Polyneuropathies / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis
D003042:Cocaine
Cocaine; Magnetic resonance imaging; Mononeuritis multiplex; Neuromuscular disease; Peripheral neuropathy; Vasculitis