Ecstasy linked to long-term brain changesRSS Feed

Ecstasy linked to long-term brain changes

Users of recreational drug Ecstasy could be subject to long-term brain injury, a new study has shown.

Research, published in journal Neuropsychopharmacology, found that recreational use of Ecstasy is linked to a change in the functioning of the brain.

Ronald Cowan from the Vanderbilt University Medical Center said that the more the individual uses the drug, the more brain changes they would be subject to.

"We think this shift in cortical excitability may be chronic, long-lasting, and even permanent, which is a real worry," he said.

 "The question is what will happen to their brains as they age over the next 60 years."

This research comes as many in the medical profession are considering the therapeutic possibilities of the drug.

A headline in the February Time Magazine's health section read: "Ecstasy as therapy: have some of its negative effects been overblown?"

This is concerning researchers such as Cowan, who believe that the drug could cause long-lasting changes in the brain.

News from Serious Law, specialist acquired brain injury solicitors

Posted by Matthew Dixon
 ADNFCR-2547-ID-800518819-ADNFCR

Back to Brain Injury News news

Non-invasive brain temperature device developed

Non-invasive brain temperature device developed
03 May 2011
A non-invasive brain temperature measuring device looks set to assist doctors in the treatment of traumatic brain injury.The technology rests on the patients head to measure the precise brain temperature,...
Read More...

Protein linked to brain inflammation

Protein linked to brain inflammation
03 May 2011
Scientists have discovered a protein which could be used to develop a new drug to target brain inflammation.Research published in the FACEB Journal found that acuaporin-4 could lead to medications used...
Read More...

Sleep cycle 'altered in Alzheimer's brain'

Sleep cycle 'altered in Alzheimer's brain'
28 April 2011
People suffering from the brain injury seen in Alzheimer's disease are subject to the effects of circadian rhythms in the brain, research has shown.Scientists at the Douglas Mental Health University...
Read More...