Thromboaspiration was performed in a young adult in a coma because of acute 
basilar artery occlusion associated with cocaine and ecstasy abuse 30 hours 
after symptom onset. There was complete recanalization of the basilar artery and 
favorable recovery. Because cocaine and ecstasy abuse has been reported to be a 
risk factor for ischemic stroke and fatal brain hemorrhage, thromboaspiration 
may be an alternative therapy to thrombolysis.