Heroin Inhalation Leukoencephalopathy: An Overlooked Entity in the Opioid Epidemic

Heroin inhalation leukoencephalopathy (HIL) is a rare complication of vaporized heroin leading to white matter degeneration resulting in range neurologic disturbances including softened speech, cerebellar ataxia, behavioral changes, gait abnormalities, and even respiratory failure death the most severe cases. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) commonly demonstrates bilateral hyperintensities affecting basal ganglia, periventricular matter, cerebellum. In this case report, we present relatively mild HIL young female patient describe characteristic challenges associated with condition’s presentation, diagnosis, treatment. While healthcare workers everywhere are addressing complex ever-changing opioid epidemic, strive raise awareness about as only one variety complications from use disorder.