scholarly journals Storms and silence: a case report of catatonia and paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity following cerebral hypoxia

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dallas Wolfgang Hamlin ◽  
Nuzhat Hussain ◽  
Aum Pathare
Keyword(s):  
Gold Standard ◽  
Neuropsychiatric Symptoms ◽  
Altered Mental Status ◽  
Symptom Clusters ◽  
Opioid Overdose ◽  
Cerebral Hypoxia ◽  
Case Presentation ◽  
Sympathetic Hyperactivity ◽  
Paroxysmal Sympathetic Hyperactivity ◽  
Related Symptom

Abstract Background Delayed Post Hypoxic Leukoencephalopathy (DPHL) is a syndrome that occurs after hypoxia, and can present with a variety of neuropsychiatric symptoms, including catatonia and paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity (PSH). The gold standard for the treatment of catatonia is electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). However, ECT can exacerbate the paroxysms of sympathetic hyperactivity and complicate recovery from DPHL. The treatment of PSH is not well established. Case presentation We present a case of a patient with multiple opiate overdoses who presented with altered mental status. He was diagnosed with catatonia and subsequently treated with ECT. His clinical condition worsened, and a revised diagnosis of PSH was established. The patient’s condition improved with medical management. Conclusion This case highlights the need to distinguish between these two related symptom clusters, as the incidence of DPHL and opioid overdose related neuropsychiatric problems increase. This distinction can greatly influence the course of treatment, and the need to consider alternative treatments.

scholarly journals Cerebral fat embolization with paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity syndrome and septic shock at high altitude: a case report and literature review

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Min Li ◽  
Gang Zhu ◽  
Hao Guo ◽  
Shun Nan Ge ◽  
Guo Dong Gao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Septic Shock ◽  
Differential Diagnosis ◽  
Case Report ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
High Altitude ◽  
Fat Embolism ◽  
Neurological Rehabilitation ◽  
Case Presentation ◽  
Sympathetic Hyperactivity ◽  
Paroxysmal Sympathetic Hyperactivity

AbstractBackgroundCerebral fat embolism (CFE) syndrome at high altitude was rare complicated with paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity (PSH) syndrome and septic shock. It is a challenge to differential diagnosis and treatment at high altitude.Case presentationThis case presents a CFE with PSH and septic shock of a 23-year-old man occurred at high altitude of 3800 m above sea level, transferred by airplane successfully and cured in the department of neurosurgery, Xi’an Tangdu Hospital.ConclusionsIt is key that CFE with PSH can be rapid diagnosed and treatment bundles of septic shock should be initiated as soon as possible. Early neurological rehabilitation played an important role for good outcome.

scholarly journals Cerebral fat embolization with paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity syndrome and septic shock at high altitude: A case report and literature review

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Min Li ◽  
Gang Zhu ◽  
Hao Guo ◽  
Shun Nan Ge ◽  
Guo Dong Gao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Septic Shock ◽  
Differential Diagnosis ◽  
Case Report ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
High Altitude ◽  
Fat Embolism ◽  
Neurological Rehabilitation ◽  
Case Presentation ◽  
Sympathetic Hyperactivity ◽  
Paroxysmal Sympathetic Hyperactivity

Abstract BackgroundCerebral fat embolism (CFE) syndrome at high altitude was rare complicated with paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity (PSH) syndrome and septic shock. It is a challenge to differential diagnosis and treatment at high altitude. Case presentationThis case presents a CFE with PSH and septic shock of a 23-year-old man occurred at high altitude of 3800 meters above sea level, transferred by airplane successfully and cured in the department of neurosurgery, Xi`an Tangdu Hospital.Conclusions It is key that CFE with PSH can be rapid diagnosed and treatment bundles of septic shock should be initiated as soon as possible. Early neurological rehabilitation played an important role for good outcome.

scholarly journals Cerebral fat embolization with paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity syndrome and septic shock at high altitude: A case report and literature review

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Min Li ◽  
Gang Zhu ◽  
Hao Guo ◽  
Shun Nan Ge ◽  
Guo Dong Gao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Septic Shock ◽  
Differential Diagnosis ◽  
Case Report ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
High Altitude ◽  
Fat Embolism ◽  
Neurological Rehabilitation ◽  
Case Presentation ◽  
Sympathetic Hyperactivity ◽  
Paroxysmal Sympathetic Hyperactivity

Abstract Background Cerebral fat embolism (CFE) syndrome at high altitude was rare complicated with paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity (PSH) syndrome and septic shock. It is a challenge to differential diagnosis and treatment at high altitude. Case presentation This case presents a CFE with PSH and septic shock of a 23-year-old man occurred at high altitude of 3800 meters above sea level, transferred by airplane successfully and cured in the department of neurosurgery, Xi`an Tangdu Hospital.Conclusions It is key that CFE with PSH can be rapid diagnosed and treatment bundles of septic shock should be initiated as soon as possible. Early neurological rehabilitation played an important role for good outcome.

scholarly journals Cerebral fat embolization with paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity syndrome and septic shock at high altitude: A case report and literature review

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Min Li ◽  
Gang Zhu ◽  
Hao Guo ◽  
Shun Nan Ge ◽  
Guo Dong Gao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Septic Shock ◽  
Differential Diagnosis ◽  
Case Report ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
High Altitude ◽  
Fat Embolism ◽  
Neurological Rehabilitation ◽  
Case Presentation ◽  
Sympathetic Hyperactivity ◽  
Paroxysmal Sympathetic Hyperactivity

Abstract Background Cerebral fat embolism (CFE) syndrome at high altitude was rare complicated with paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity (PSH) syndrome and septic shock. It is a challenge to differential diagnosis and treatment at high altitude. Case presentation This case presents a CFE with PSH and septic shock of a 23-year-old man occurred at high altitude of 3800 meters above sea level, transferred by airplane successfully and cured in the department of neurosurgery, Xi`an Tangdu Hospital.Conclusions It is key that CFE with PSH can be rapid diagnosed and treatment bundles of septic shock should be initiated as soon as possible. Early neurological rehabilitation played an important role for good outcome.

scholarly journals The pathophysiology of “happy” hypoglycemia

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas Loeb ◽  
Anna Ozguler ◽  
Geraldine Baer ◽  
Michel Baer
Keyword(s):  
Critical Care ◽  
Hemorrhagic Shock ◽  
Lactate Production ◽  
Severe Hypoglycemia ◽  
Altered Mental Status ◽  
Case Presentation ◽  
Energy Substrate ◽  
Tissue Hypoperfusion ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Critical Care Patients

Abstract Background Hypoglycemia usually includes various neurological symptoms, which are the consequence of neuroglycopenia. When it is severe, it is associated with altered mental status, even coma. Case presentation We report the case of a patient with severe hypoglycemia, completely asymptomatic, due to the increase of lactate production in response to tissue hypoperfusion following a hemorrhagic shock. This illustrates that lactate can substitute glucose as an energy substrate for the brain. It is also a reminder that this metabolite, despite its bad reputation maintained by its role as a marker of severity in critical care patients, has a fundamental role in our metabolism. Conclusions Following the example of the “happy hypoxemia” recently reported in the literature describing asymptomatic hypoxemia in COVID-19 patients, we describe a case of “happy hypoglycemia.”

scholarly journals P88 Paroxysmal sympathetic storm and the role of beta-blockers in traumatic brain injury: a scoping review protocol

BJS Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Stéphane Nguembu ◽  
Marco Meloni ◽  
Geneviève Endalle ◽  
Hugues Dokponou ◽  
Olaoluwa Ezekiel Dada ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Traumatic Brain Injury ◽  
Brain Injury ◽  
Length Of Stay ◽  
Glasgow Coma Scale ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Beta Blockers ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Sympathetic Hyperactivity ◽  
Paroxysmal Sympathetic Hyperactivity

Abstract Introduction Most cases of paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity (PSH) result from traumatic brain injury (TBI). Little is known about its pathophysiology and treatment, and several neuroprotective drugs are used including beta-blockers. The aim of our study is to collate existing evidence of the role of beta-blockers in the treatment of PSH. Method We will search MEDLINE, Web of Science, EMBASE, Cochrane, and Google Scholar. The search terms used will cover the following terms: “paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity”, “traumatic brain injury” and “beta-blockers.”: No language or geographical restrictions will be applied. Two independent co-authors will screen the titles and abstracts of each article following predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. If there is a conflict the two reviewers will find a consensus and if they cannot a third co-author will decide. Using a pre-designed and pre-piloted data extraction form, data from each included citation will be collected (authors identification, study type, TBI severity, type of beta-blockers used, dosage of the drug, clinical signs of PSH, Glasgow Coma Scale, Glasgow Outcome Scale, mortality, morbidity and length of stay). Simple descriptive data analyses will be performed and the results will be presented both in a narrative and tabular form. Results The effectiveness of beta-blockers in post-TBI PHS will be evaluated through clinical signs of PHS(increased heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature, blood pressure, and sweating), Glasgow Coma Scale, and Glasgow Outcome Scale. mortality, morbidity and length of stay. Conclusion At the end of this scoping review we will design a systematic review with metaanalysis if there are a reasonable number of studies otherwise we will design a randomized controlled trial.

scholarly journals 302 - The Effectiveness and Safety of Electroconvulsive Therapy for Treatment Refractory Agitation or Aggression in Major Neurocognitive Disorder

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (S1) ◽  
pp. 58-58
Author(s):  
Simon Woo ◽  
Peter Chan ◽  
Robyn E Waxman ◽  
Sarah Elmi ◽  
Mafalda Musacchio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neuropsychiatric Symptoms ◽  
Symptom Clusters ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Neurocognitive Disorder ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Valuable Treatment ◽  
Psychiatric Conditions ◽  
Treatment Refractory ◽  
Refractory Symptom ◽  
Inpatient Units

Introduction:Fifty to ninety percent of individuals with Major Neurocognitive Disorder (MNCD) have Neuropsychiatric Symptoms (NPS)1. Agitation and aggression are amongst the most persistent and treatment-refractory symptom clusters. Patients with these NPS are associated with increased risk of institutionalization, psychotropic medication use, caregiver burden, and mortality2.Safe and effective treatments for NPS are lacking. Consensus guidelines emphasize the initial use of non-pharmacologic approaches though supportive evidence is limited3.Extensive research has established the safety and efficacy of ECT in elderly patients with depression and other psychiatric conditions6. Clinical experience suggests that ECT is a valuable treatment option in MNCD-related treatment refractory NPS cases7-10. However, data supporting the efficacy and safety of this practice is scant.Materials and Method:Patients admitted to the geriatric psychiatry inpatient units who meet the inclusion criteria, were recruited from 2 Vancouver sites and 3 unit at Ontario Shores. These patients had an anesthesia consultation to evaluate their safety of going through ECT. Consent was obtained from their substitute decision makers. All patients enrolled are already on psychotropic medications.

Severe altered mentation due to cervicothoracic intrathecal pump after correction of cervical stenosis: a case report

2021 ◽  
pp. rapm-2021-103041
Author(s):  
Chinar Sanghvi ◽  
Tiffany Su ◽  
Tony L Yaksh ◽  
David J Copenhaver ◽  
Eric O Klineberg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Stenosis ◽  
Mental Status ◽  
Clinical Evidence ◽  
Chronic Neck Pain ◽  
Altered Mental Status ◽  
Cord Compression ◽  
Cervical Stenosis ◽  
Csf Flow ◽  
Case Presentation ◽  
Cervical Spinal Stenosis

BackgroundCerebral spinal fluid (CSF) dynamics are complex and changes in spinal anatomy may influence the rostrocaudal movement of intrathecal medications. We present the first reported case demonstrating that acute cervical spinal stenosis may impede the distribution of adjacent intrathecal medications, and that correction of such stenosis and the resulting changes in CSF flow may necessitate significant adjustments in the intrathecal infusates.Case presentationWe present a case of a 60-year-old male patient with a cervicothoracic intrathecal pump (ITP) infusing morphine, bupivacaine, and baclofen for chronic neck pain. The alert and oriented patient had a recent fall resulting in an acute severe cervical stenosis and cord compression which required urgent surgical decompression. Postoperatively, after the cervical decompression, the patient had significant altered mental status requiring a naloxone infusion. Multiple attempts to reduce the naloxone infusion were initially not successful due to worsened somnolence. The previously tolerated ITP medications were continuously reduced over the next 14 days, allowing concomitant decrease and eventual cessation of the naloxone infusion while maintaining patient mental status. The only opioids the patient received during this period were from the ITP.ConclusionsThis case presents clinical evidence that severe spinal stenosis may impede the rostral CSF distribution of intrathecal medications. Intrathecal medications previously tolerated by patients prior to decompression may need to be significantly reduced in the postoperative period.

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