Can Cocaine Affect the Nerves?

QUESTION: It's important for me to know so I can help a loved one. Can the
use of cocaine affect the nerves?
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ANSWER: Yes, without doubt! The incidence of strokes and psychiatric
difficulties is greatly increased when cocaine is used. In fact, there is a
dramatic increase of such problems in persons who use cocaine. The amount of
cocaine or the method that cocaine is used does not appear to have any effect
on the problems; new users and "experienced" coke users have the same risk of
life-threatening neurological problems as a result of the drug.
The neurological problems may be catastrophic, such as seizures and
strokes, and there may be no warning that such a disaster is about to occur.
Sometimes, the cocaine user may experience temporary blindness, numbness or
tingling before the major problem occurs. These episodes are may be life
threatening and the symptoms are warnings that should be heeded. Stop cocaine
use immediately and see your physician. If you experience these symptoms and
are not a cocaine user, see your doctor without delay. Your body may be
warning you of an impending stroke.
There are also a wide range of behavioral and psychiatric symptoms than
can be laid at the door of coke use. They can run the gamut from agitation
and restlessness to anxiety, depression, psychosis, paranoia, and even a
preoccupation with suicide.
Any nerve-related problem in an otherwise healthy young person should be
thoroughly evaluated by a physician. Ignoring problems such as headaches,
numbness, tingling, vision disturbances, or personality changes may mean that
the problems are being allowed to progress to the point of disaster. Death or
at least a permanent loss of health may be the result. Cocaine may or may not
be involved, but the astute physician and the caring family member or friend
will be concerned enough to find out and treat the reason for the problem. If
cocaine is the culprit, there are many excellent treatment programs available.
The person with the cocaine problem may be depending on you to help him get to
the root of his symptoms, and will need your support as he works to eliminate
cocaine from his life.