Neurologic, Cognitive, and Behavioral Consequences of Opioid Overdose: a Review

Purpose of Review: To review the literature regarding neurologic, cognitive, and behavioral disorders resulting from non-fatal opioid overdose. Recent Findings: Although there is extensive literature regarding hypoxic-ischemic brain injury resulting from cardiac arrest, studies specifically examining opioid-induced brain injury are limited, derived mainly from patient case reports or animal models. Medical management of this population requires careful consideration of acute and long-term complications, as well as careful treatment planning in coordination with neurology, neuropsychology, psychiatry, and addiction medicine. Summary: In addition to interventions to prevent fatal opioid overdose, further studies are needed on the neurologic, cognitive, and behavioral sequelae of opioid overdose in order to develop an effective long-term treatment strategy to manage the healthcare needs of this population.