[Paroxysmal sympathetic storm after diffuse axonal head injury]

Medicina (B Aires). 2006;66(5):439-42.
[Article in Spanish]

Abstract

The term paroxysmal sympathetic storms is used to define episodic alterations in body temperature, blood pressure, heart and respiratory rate, size of pupil, and level of consciousness coinciding with hyperhidrosis, excessive salivation and extensor posturing. All the cases were presented after severe diffuse axonal head injury. We present two young patients with diffuse axonal head injury that develop in their evolution hypertension, tachycardia and fever without evidence during the episodes of epileptiform activity and without any infectious cause with excellent answer to the treatment with beta-blockers and morphine. We consider that the correct diagnosis of this entity minimizes the application of unnecessary studies allowing an appropriate treatment.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Autonomic Nervous System Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Autonomic Nervous System Diseases / etiology
  • Autonomic Nervous System Diseases / physiopathology
  • Brain Injuries / complications
  • Brain Injuries / physiopathology*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Diffuse Axonal Injury / etiology
  • Diffuse Axonal Injury / physiopathology*
  • Fever / physiopathology
  • Glasgow Outcome Scale
  • Humans
  • Hyperhidrosis / physiopathology
  • Hypertension / physiopathology
  • Male
  • Tachycardia, Paroxysmal / physiopathology