Inhaling fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use as an anesthetic and pain reliever, can cause irreversible brain damage, a recent study published in BMJ Case Reports has revealed.
The study highlights the alarming risks associated with fentanyl use, a substance known to be 50 times more potent than heroin and readily available at a low cost. Doctors have expressed concern over the increasing prevalence of fentanyl inhalation, emphasizing its potential to induce toxic leukoencephalopathy, a condition characterized by inflammation and damage to the brain’s white matter.
This damage can manifest in unconsciousness and potentially irreversible loss of brain function or even death. The study presents a case of a 47-year-old man who was found unresponsive in his hotel room after snorting fentanyl. Upon examination, he was diagnosed with toxic leukoencephalopathy, exhibiting symptoms such as neurological and behavioral changes ranging from confusion to coma. Despite receiving medical attention and undergoing rehabilitation, the man’s recovery was protracted, taking almost a year to fully return to work.
The study underscores the critical need to recognize the severe consequences associated with fentanyl misuse and the importance of implementing appropriate precautions and treatment measures. Individuals and healthcare professionals should be aware of the risks of fentanyl inhalation and seek immediate medical attention in cases of suspected overdose or adverse effects.
