Sympathomimetic Storm: Cocaine-Associated Stroke and Perioperative Implications

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

10-17-2026

Abstract

A 61-year-old male with a history of cocaine use presented with acute right middle cerebral artery ischemic stroke and underwent successful suction thrombectomy with TICI III reperfusion. His course was complicated by severe agitation and combative episodes post-procedure. Cocaine-induced catecholamine excess contributes to perioperative instability and increases the risk of postoperative agitation, particularly in patients undergoing neurointerventional procedures. We will discuss the importance of proactive perioperative management, including strategies for hemodynamic control, targeted sympatholysis, and carefully titrated sedation. Optimizing these perioperative strategies may reduce agitation, improve neurologic monitoring, and minimize secondary brain injury in this high-risk population.

Comments

American Society of Anesthesiologists, The Anesthesiology Meeting, October 16-20, 2026, San Diego, CA

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS