Lacunar Stroke Associated with Methylphenidate Abuse

BACKGROUND: Methylphenidate is a central nervous system stimulant used for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and narcolepsy and like other psychostimulants has a potential for abuse. CASE STUDY: A young man with a cerebral lacunar infarction following chronic oral abuse of methylphenidate is presented. CONCLUSIONS: The experience of our patient and a review of the literature suggest that cerebral infarction is a potential side effect of chronic consumption of methylphenidate.