Stroke secondary to cocaine

Treatment:

Treatment of stroke secondary to cocaine may be complicated by the need to treat the stroke, other disorders that may occur from the use of cocaine, and the need to treat any symptoms of withdrawal from cocaine.

The person may be in a coma. There may be a need for life support, including placement of tubes into the airway and artificial ventilation (breathing assistance, breathing machines).

All use of cocaine must be stopped.

Heart arrhythmias (irregular beats) are treated with antiarrhythmic drugs or other medications.

Other conditions should be treated as appropriate.

The person should be continually observed for signs of cocaine withdrawal. Dopamine agonist medications may reduce symptoms of withdrawal from cocaine. Sedatives such as diazepam and midazolam may be of some benefit in reducing symptoms of withdrawal.

Expectations (prognosis):

The outcome varies, depending on the severity of the stroke, any other conditions that may be present because of the use of cocaine, presence of withdrawal symptoms, and other factors. It is often poor, with death caused by collapse of multiple body systems.

Complications:

See Stroke.

Calling your health care provider:

Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if symptoms of stroke secondary to cocaine occur.