Ecstasy 'leads to brain injury'RSS Feed

Long term usage of recreational drug ecstasy (MDMA) can lead to structural brain injury, according to new findings.

Scientists measured the volume of the hippocampus in ten men in their twenties who had a history of ecstasy usage and seven others who had never taken the drug. The men had taken similar amounts of other drugs in the past.

The men in the ecstasy group were found to have a hippocampal volume that was 10.5 per cent smaller than that of their peers, and a 4.6 per cent lower general brain volume, according to the research, published online in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry.

"Hippocampal atrophy is a hallmark for diseases of progressive cognitive impairment in older patients, such as Alzheimer's disease," warn the authors.

Ecstasy is a Class A drug in the UK, meaning that possession can lead to up to seven years in jail, while dealing the drug could result in a life sentence.

News from Serious Law, specialist acquired brain injury solicitors

Posted by Matthew Dixon
 

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