Overview
- The patient, a man in his 50s with no major risk factors, arrived with left-sided weakness and an ischemic stroke was confirmed after his blood pressure measured 254/150 mmHg.
- He reported consuming about eight cans a day, roughly 1,200–1,300 milligrams of caffeine, which is more than triple the commonly recommended 400 milligrams for adults.
- Despite multiple antihypertensive drugs, his blood pressure stayed high until he stopped the drinks, after which it normalized within about a week and medications were discontinued.
- Years later he remains free of further strokes but still has residual numbness, according to the case report and his accompanying patient statement.
- Doctors note energy drinks can contain high sugar and stimulants such as taurine, guarana and ginseng, with some products reaching up to 500 milligrams of caffeine per serving, and they urge clinician screening and consideration of tighter sales and advertising rules.