Acute young ischemic stroke associated with herbal drug used to improve sexual performance

Many people can easily access the drugs called herbal and food supplement without recommended by any doctor. Demand of these drugs is increasing by patients due to frequent advertising on television, internet and newspapers. However, uncontrolled and over the counter drugs can cause many side effects. A thirty four year old male patient presented with acute speech disorder, left hemiparesis and agitation. In his neurological examination; confusion and cooperative limitation were detected. Left hemiparesis (4/5) and positive left Babinski sign was detected. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed diffuse restriction like acute ischemia. After the patient's cooperation improved, the background was again questioned. It was learned that he has been taking herbal drugs to improve his sexual performance for 1 week. The contents of the drug were arginine, carnitine, boswellia serrata, caffeine, tribulus terrestris, epimedium, beta glucan, niacin, zinc, CoQ10, thiamine, riboflavin, vitamin B6 and selenium. All tests were completed for young ischemic stroke and no other risks were detected. It was thought that this disease may depend on herbal drug. There are many side effects associated with many contentsts of herbal or food supplement drugs. Patients and society should be informed about these drugs. Scientific research on these drugs should be increased and legal regulations should be made.