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383188

Paroxysmal Sympathetic Hyperactivity: Clinical Features, Identification and Treatment

Article

Last updated: 07 Jan 2025

Subjects

-

Tags

Anaesthesia & Surgical Intensive Care

Abstract

Background: In individuals with severe traumatic brain damage, paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity episodes also known as autonomic storms are not unusual. Fever, tachycardia, hypertension, tachypnea, hyperhidrosis, and dystonic posture are some of their distinguishing features. The episodes could start on their own or be brought on by stimuli. Although their pathogenesis is yet unclear, their symptoms unmistakably point to the activation or disinhibition of sympathoexcitatory regions. These spells are frequently mistaken for seizures, which results in needless antiepileptic medication treatment. Adequate hydration, ruling out mimicking illnesses (infection, pulmonary embolism, hydrocephalus, epilepsy), providing efficient analgesics, and avoiding triggers when recognized are general guidelines for managing paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity. Pharmacologic medications that are most beneficial are morphine sulfate and nonselective β-blockers, such as propranolol. When treating refractory instances, intrathecal baclofen may be useful. Although their effectiveness is less constant, bromocriptine and clonidine can be beneficial for certain patients. Conclusion: PSH is a quite common, but generally ignored, complication of acute diffuse or multifocal brain diseases. It is most commonly seen in young, unconscious individuals who have suffered a severe traumatic brain injury. Recurrent, abrupt episodes of tachycardia, tachypnea, hypertension, perspiration, and occasionally fever and dystonic posture are the hallmarks of the condition. There is a clinical diagnosis. Reducing any external stimuli that may cause the episodes and initiating preventive and abortion medications (such intravenous morphine, gabapentin, propranolol, and clonidine) are also part of the treatment. Early and sufficient PSH treatment may lower the risk of subsequent issues such muscle contractures, malnourishment, and dehydration.

DOI

10.21608/zumj.2024.323682.3599

Keywords

Paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity, Traumatic brain injury, Intensive Care Unit

Authors

First Name

Essamedin

Last Name

Negm

MiddleName

M.

Affiliation

Department of Anesthesia, Intensive Care and Pain Management, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Egypt

Email

alpherdawss@gmail.com

City

-

Orcid

-

First Name

Mohammed

Last Name

Khatab

MiddleName

El Mowafy

Affiliation

Department of Anesthesia, Intensive Care and Pain Management, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Egypt

Email

dr.mmowafy@gmail.com

City

-

Orcid

-

First Name

Essam

Last Name

Youssef

MiddleName

Mohamed Elsayed

Affiliation

Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Egypt

Email

dr.essam.m.youssef@gmail.com

City

-

Orcid

0000-0003-4702-4192

First Name

AnaSimon

Last Name

Eskandr

MiddleName

Alfred Foad

Affiliation

Department of Critical Care Medicine, Zagazig Chest Hospital, Zagazig, Egypt

Email

annasimonalfred5@gmail.com

City

-

Orcid

-

First Name

Heba

Last Name

Fathi

MiddleName

Mohammed

Affiliation

Department of Anesthesia, Intensive Care and Pain Management, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Egypt

Email

heba_elgendi@yahoo.com

City

-

Orcid

-

Volume

31

Article Issue

1

Related Issue

52176

Issue Date

2025-01-01

Receive Date

2024-09-24

Publish Date

2025-01-01

Page Start

279

Page End

287

Print ISSN

1110-1431

Online ISSN

2357-0717

Link

https://zumj.journals.ekb.eg/article_383188.html

Detail API

http://journals.ekb.eg?_action=service&article_code=383188

Order

383,188

Type

Review Articles

Type Code

349

Publication Type

Journal

Publication Title

Zagazig University Medical Journal

Publication Link

https://zumj.journals.ekb.eg/

MainTitle

Paroxysmal Sympathetic Hyperactivity: Clinical Features, Identification and Treatment

Details

Type

Article

Created At

07 Jan 2025