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Teen gets life-threatening brain condition due to weed 'scromitting'
New York Post • • health
Key Points:
- A 15-year-old developed a life-threatening thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency caused by cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS), a condition linked to prolonged vomiting from excessive marijuana use.
- The teen experienced severe weight loss, cognitive impairment, and movement issues before doctors identified Wernicke encephalopathy (WE), a brain disorder caused by thiamine deficiency.
- WE is difficult to diagnose, often only confirmed post-mortem, but early suspicion and treatment with thiamine supplements led to rapid improvement in the teen's condition.
- This case highlights the indirect but serious risks of heavy marijuana use in teens, including potential brain damage from complications like CHS and WE.
- The teen recovered fully after stopping cannabis use and receiving treatment, emphasizing the importance of recognizing CHS symptoms and timely medical intervention.
