Recurrent seizures in a socially well-established man with tramadol misuse

Abstract

Tramadol is a synthetic opioid increasingly associated with recreational use amongst young people. Seizures are a well-known dose-dependent adverse effect. We present a case of recurrent tramadol-induced seizures in a socially well-established young man.

A man in his twenties was brought to the emergency department after an attack of generalized tonic-clonic seizures. After a similar seizure attack one year earlier, an extensive neurological and cardiological work-up was performed, but without findings that could explain the seizures.  This time, the patient informed us that he daily consumed about 1,200 mg of tramadol, which he bought on the black market.

Tramadol abuse is a common cause of seizures in young men. Work-up for unexplained seizures should always include asking the patient about tramadol use.