Methamphetamine Increases Risk of Stroke, Study Finds

The use of methamphetamine, or what is commonly known as ‘speed’, ‘ice’, or ‘meth’, correlates with an increased risk of stroke among young people, according to new research published in the Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry.

A stroke caused by a bleeding into the brain (haemorrhagic) was found to be more common than one caused by a clot (ischaemic). Men are also twice more likely than women to suffer, the study reports. Such findings are a concern given the fact that the use of methamphetamine among young people is increasing, particularly in North America, East and Southeast Asia and Oceania.

Methamphetamine is swallowed, inhaled or injected. Haemorrhagic strokes were equally linked with swallowing or injecting, while ischaemic strokes were most associated with inhalation.

The risk of death is greater following a haemorrhagic stroke than it is following an ischaemic stroke, where around 1 in 5 completely recover.

Click here to read more in the Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry.