If you are one of those who thrives on energy drinks, then this case study is a reminder why you should not. A 50-year-old man in the UK had a stroke in his thalamus, a deep brain structure that acts as a sensory and motor relay station, likely caused by his habit of having eight energy drinks per day. Since each can contained 160 mg of caffeine, he had a daily intake of 1,280 mg, far above the recommended maximum daily intake of 400 mg.
According to a case study published in BMJ Case Reports, other ingredients in the drink increased the effects of caffeine, heightening the risk of stroke. Once he gave up this habit, his blood pressure returned to normal and he did not need blood pressure-lowering drugs. Excess caffeine elevates blood pressure and narrows down blood vessels, both of which are risk factors for stroke.
Why we must watch caffeine intake
Dr KP Singh, Director of Endocrinology, Fortis Hospital, Mohali, says that energy drinks contain high doses of caffeine along with B vitamins, electrolytes, sugar and other stimulants (e.g. taurine, guarana and ginseng). “Excessive energy drink consumption can result in very high caffeine intake. Doses above 200 mg are associated with anxiety, insomnia, gastrointestinal upset and restlessness; prolonged high intake can cause headaches and, in severe cases, caffeine-induced psychiatric symptoms. Energy drinks can produce acute cardiovascular effects, including marked increases in blood pressure and heart rate, and may provoke arrhythmias in susceptible individuals. Case reports and growing evidence link extreme or prolonged intake with serious events such as hypertensive emergencies and stroke,” he says.
That’s why Dr Singh advises children, adolescents and pregnant people to avoid energy drinks because even small risks can have serious or irreversible consequences. “Energy drinks should be consumed only within recommended caffeine limits (generally up to 400 mg/day for most adults) and avoided by high-risk groups. If adverse symptoms occur, for example palpitations, severe headache, light-headedness, marked anxiety, or focal neurologic deficits, seek medical evaluation promptly,” he says.
Let’s not add risk factors in our lives
Dr Rahul Mahajan, senior consultant, Neurology, Max Hospital, Mohali, says that given that Indians are largely sedentary and have enough risk factors for lifestyle diseases, caffeine can only increase cerebrovascular risks. “Energy drinks containing caffeine along with other stimulants can cause significant blood pressure spikes, putting undue pressure on blood vessels, leading to catastrophic events like stroke and heart attack. They must come with a cautionary label regarding these harmful effects,” says Dr Mahajan.
Multiple studies link drinking more than four cups of coffee daily to increased odds of any stroke and ischemic stroke (due to clots). One study found a transient, a two-time higher risk of ischemic stroke in the hour immediately following coffee consumption, with risk returning to baseline by two hours.
Moderate consumption (around 2-3 cups/day) is often associated with benefits, not increased risk, and may even lower stroke risk, according to research cited by Harvard Health and National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Energy drinks overstimulate the body
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Energy drinks combine caffeine with other stimulants (taurine, ginseng) that amplify these effects, potentially causing dangerous blood pressure spikes. According to Dr Puneet Kumar, senior consultant, physician and diabetes specialist, Livasa Hospital, Mohali, these overstimulate the body, leading to heart rhythm disturbances and increased stroke risk. “Many individuals unknowingly consume caffeine far beyond the safe limit of 400 mg per day. We are now seeing fit individuals presenting with hypertension and neurological symptoms linked to chronic energy drink use. Such complications can be long-lasting and life-altering,” says the doctor, adding that awareness, moderation and stricter regulation of sales of such products are essential.
Parul is a Principal Correspondent at The Indian Express in Chandigarh. She is a seasoned journalist with over 25 years of experience specializing in public health, higher education, and the architectural heritage of Northern India.
Professional Profile
Education: Graduate in Humanities with a specialized focus on Journalism and Mass Communication from Panjab University, Chandigarh.
Career Path: She began her career covering local city beats and human interest stories before joining The Indian Express in 2009. Over the last decade and a half, she has risen to the rank of Principal Correspondent, becoming the publication’s primary voice on Chandigarh’s premier medical and academic institutions.
Expertise: Her reporting is deeply rooted in the institutional dynamics of PGIMER (Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research) and Panjab University. She is highly regarded for her ability to navigate complex administrative bureaucracies to deliver student-centric and patient-centric news.
Recent Notable Articles (Late 2024 - 2025)
Her recent work highlights critical reporting on healthcare infrastructure, academic governance, and urban culture:
1. Public Health & PGIMER
"PGIMER expands digital registry: Centralized patient records to reduce wait times by 40%" (Nov 20, 2025): A detailed look at the digital transformation of one of India's busiest medical institutes to tackle patient influx.
"Robotic Surgery at PGI: Why the new urology wing is a game-changer for North India" (Oct 12, 2025): Reporting on the acquisition of state-of-the-art medical technology and its impact on affordable healthcare.
"Shortage of life-saving drugs: Inside the supply chain crisis at government pharmacies" (Dec 5, 2025): An investigative piece on the logistical hurdles affecting chronic patients in the tri-city area.
2. Education & Institutional Governance
"Panjab University Senate Election: The battle for institutional autonomy" (Dec 18, 2025): In-depth coverage of the high-stakes internal elections and the friction between traditional governance and central reforms.
"Research funding dip: How PU’s science departments are navigating the 2025 budget cuts" (Nov 5, 2025): An analysis of the fiscal challenges facing researchers and the impact on India's global academic ranking.
3. Art, Culture & Heritage
"Le Corbusier’s legacy in peril: The struggle to preserve Chandigarh’s Capitol Complex" (Dec 22, 2025): A feature on the conservation efforts and the tension between urban modernization and UNESCO heritage status.
"Chandigarh Art District: How street murals are reclaiming the city’s grey walls" (Oct 30, 2025): A cultural profile of the local artists transforming the aesthetic of the "City Beautiful."
Signature Style
Parul is known for her empathetic lens, often centering her stories on the individuals affected by policy—whether it is a student navigating university red tape or a patient seeking care. She possesses a unique ability to translate dense administrative notifications into actionable information for the public. Her long-standing beat experience makes her a trusted source for "inside-track" developments within Chandigarh’s most guarded institutions.
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