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Extensive tissue necrosis of the tongue in a methamphetamine user: A case report
Author(s) -
Shudo Atsushi
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
special care in dentistry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.328
H-Index - 41
eISSN - 1754-4505
pISSN - 0275-1879
DOI - 10.1111/scd.12580
Subject(s) - tongue , medicine , biting , tissue necrosis , methamphetamine , fibrous joint , debridement (dental) , meth , surgery , pathology , ecology , chemistry , monomer , organic chemistry , acrylate , biology , polymer
Abstract Aims Methamphetamine (meth) is a powerful, highly addictive stimulant that affects the central nervous system, and its side effects may result in severe self‐mutilation. This report describes a case of a meth user with severe oral injury that demonstrates the necessity for prompt treatment when severe tongue biting occurs. Methods and results A 43‐year‐old meth‐using man with severe tongue biting was left untreated for more than 24 hours, resulting in extensive ischemic changes in the tongue and eventual extensive tissue necrosis. After debridement and deep suture repair in several layers, the wound healed. However, tongue dysfunction and a speech disorder remained because of tongue shortening. Conclusion Meth may induce or aggravate severe oral self‐mutilation. Tongue biting with severe tissue damage may occur as oral self‐mutilation in meth users; however, among self‐mutilation behaviors, tongue biting is especially difficult to prevent. A withdrawal from meth and a behavioral approach may be necessary for fundamental prevention, but it is often difficult in high dependence users. When severe tongue biting occurs, prompt suture reconstruction must be performed before ischemic change occurs to prevent tissue necrosis.