Stroke Secondary to Cocaine

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Diagnosis & Tests

A medical history of symptoms and history of cocaine use, if known, are important in the diagnosis by the health care provider. Symptoms indicating cocaine use may include nosebleeds, headache, fatigue, inability to sleep, anxiety, depression, chronic hoarseness, or restlessness. Maximum neurologic deficits commonly are present at the beginning (onset) of stroke caused by cocaine.

An examination may include neurologic, motor, and sensory testing to determine the specific neurologic deficits present, because they often correspond closely to the location of the injury to the brain. Examination may show changes in vision or visual fields, changes in reflexes including abnormal reflexes or abnormal extent of "normal" reflexes, abnormal eye movements, muscle weakness, decreased sensation, and other changes.

Signs of other disorders associated with the use of cocaine may be present (cardiovascular collapse, irregular heartbeats, heart attack, lung damage, and others).

Urine or blood toxicology screen may be positive, confirming cocaine use.

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