Acute multifocal neuropathy following cocaine inhalation.

Introduction: We report a young man, not a habitual cocaine user, who developed an acute multifocal neuropathy following a second exposure to inhaled cocaine.

Methods: Case report.

Results: Clinical and electrophysiological findings suggested an acute multiple mononeuropathy following cocaine exposure. Imaging of the shoulder and pelvic girdles revealed multifocal denervation in selected proximal muscles. The patient was empirically treated with intravenous steroids to good effect.

Discussion: Cocaine use, although usually affecting the central nervous system, does produce peripheral nerve disease in rare instances. This unusual pattern of neurological involvement needs to be differentiated from the more common symptoms resulting from affection of the brain.