Blog # 112: ADD SEIZURES TO RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH E-CIGARETTES AND VAPING?

     Neurology Today ¹ reported that the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is collecting reports of seizures associated with e-cigarettes and vaping. E-cigarettes, also known electronic cigarettes, are handheld battery-powered vaporizers that simulate smoking but without burning tobacco. Using an e-cigarette is known as "vaping." Instead of cigarette smoke, the user inhales an aerosol, commonly called vapor. E-cigarettes typically have a heating element that atomizes a liquid solution called e-liquid.^[5] E-cigarettes are automatically activated by taking a puff; others turn on manually by pressing a button. E-cigarettes contain propylene glycol, glycerin, nicotine, flavorings, additives, and differing amounts of contaminants.

     Development of serious lung problems, including deaths, is currently featured in the news. Research has not yet identified the cause of the lung malady.

     The FDA announced that since 2010, one-hundred twenty-seven cases of seizures have been reported in otherwise healthy eighth to twelfth graders, young people who had no past history of seizures or epilepsy. This youthful age-group who vape is also vulnerable to new-onset epilepsy. University of Michigan researchers reported that in 2019, more than one-in-four 12^th graders reported having vaped in the past month. Some had seizures following first-time use of the product, even after just a few puffs or up to just one day after first use. Data, currently still sparse, is being collected and reporting by physicians and the public to the FDA is necessary. Cause and effect of the seizures is not yet established. Fainting and tremors have been reported following vaping, but a direct relationship has not been determined.

     Physicians’ concerns are that we don’t know what individuals are actually vaping into their lungs. Arsenic, lead, manganese, chromium and nickel are among chemicals and toxins found in the vaping products including some products containing a nicotine intake equivalent to smoking one pack of cigarettes. The neurological complaints are, to date, few compared with the lung problems. 

     Add seizures to the risks associated with e-cigarettes/vaping. 

1. Neurology Today Vol: 19. Issue 20, October 17, 2019, page 1.

Lance Fogan, M.D. is Clinical Professor of Neurology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. “DINGS” is his first novel. It is a mother’s dramatic story that teaches epilepsy, now available in eBook, audiobook and soft cover editions.