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2-year-old suffers catastrophic brain injury after exposure to 7-OH
KPTV • • health
Key Points:
- A 2-year-old boy in Indiana suffered catastrophic brain injury after exposure to 7-OH, a potent opioid derived from kratom, leading to charges of neglect against 20-year-old Kole Schwarz, the mother’s live-in boyfriend.
- The toddler was hospitalized in a medically induced coma and later transferred to Riley Hospital, with tests confirming kratom-related drugs in his bloodstream and MRI evidence of severe brain injury.
- Schwarz admitted to purchasing 7-OH tablets illegally, though he claimed they remained sealed in his pocket; the child’s mother is cooperating with authorities and is not considered a suspect.
- The FDA warns of the public health risks posed by concentrated 7-OH products sold over the counter and online, highlighting the need for regulatory action, while kratom remains legally sold in some states like Michigan without age restrictions.
- The child’s grandmother has spoken out to raise awareness about the dangers of unregulated 7-OH products, emphasizing the severe and lasting impact on her grandson’s health and mobility.
