Case of recurrent cerebral haemorrhage in an older adult man who uses dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) for self-management of low mood and pain

Abstract

We present the case of a man in his 70s who had suffered two separate frontal lobe haemorrhages in the context of using dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) to manage his low mood. The known pathophysiology of DMSO renders it a likely causative agent of the recurrent intracerebral haemorrhages. This case highlights the need for clinicians to robustly enquire about a patient’s use of over-the-counter medications, of non-prescribed supplements and other substances, as part of the history. In addition, the case highlights the potential for highly debilitating adverse effects from using DMSO.