High Doses of Caffeine-Induced Cerebral Infarction Leading to Partial Locked-In Syndrome in a Young Adult: A Novel Association?

Abstract

This is a case of a 30-year-old male with no prior medical conditions presented to the emergency department for presumed seizures after ingesting 900 mg of caffeine via pre-workout drinks and pills. Patient was described as having nearly 15 minutes of generalized seizure activity observed by emergency medical service, requiring midazolam. A head computerized tomography (CT) demonstrated a possible thrombus, and further, CT angiography and CT perfusion confirmed a basilar artery occlusion. He was treated with tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and underwent thrombectomy achieving TICI grade 3 in the left posterior cerebral artery and TICI grade 2b in the superior cerebellar artery. Unfortunately, the patient experienced a hemorrhagic conversion leading to an incomplete locked-in syndrome. This case report suggests a novel association between energy drinks and caffeine supplements as potential etiologies for rapid onset on cerebrovascular incidents.