Case report: Psychedelic-induced seizures captured by intracranial electrocorticography

A person with refractory right temporal lobe epilepsy who had an implanted responsive neurostimulation (RNS) system experienced a large increase in typical seizure frequency after ingesting a large dose of psychedelic mushrooms. This is the first reported case with electrographic confirmation of seizures linked to classic psychedelic drug use. The findings indicate that the risk of drug-induced seizures should be considered in the context of the re-emerging clinical use of classic psychedelics, particularly for individuals with a history of epilepsy and depending on drug doses and regimens.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Classic psychedelics are currently re-emerging as therapeutic agents with unique clinical benefits; however, it is also important to recognize the adverse effects of this drug class. While the risk of seizures with this drug class is known, the literature is lacking in detail. We present a case of psychedelic mushroom-induced seizures in a person with refractory right temporal lobe epilepsy implanted with a responsive neurostimulation (RNS) system. A large increase in typical seizure frequency coincided with the ingestion of a large dose of the mushrooms. This is the first reported case of electrographically confirmed seizures associated with classic psychedelic drug use. With the surge of research and movements toward the clinical application of classic psychedelic compounds, the risk for drug-induced seizures should be considered, including factors such as a history of epilepsy and drug doses and regimens.