Diencephalic Storms From Leptomeningeal Metastases and Leukoencephalopathy
- 8 January 2013
- journal article
- case report
- Published by SAGE Publications in American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine®
- Vol. 31 (1), 98-100
- https://doi.org/10.1177/1049909112472047
Abstract
Diencephalic storms or paroxysmal sympathetic storms are characterized by episodic hyperhidrosis, hypertension, tachypnea, tachycardia, and abnormal posturing. These have been reported to occur in patients with hydrocephalus, intracranial tumors, and hypoxic, ischemic, or traumatic brain injury. They can be easily misdiagnosed as seizures, uncontrolled pheochromocytoma, drug withdrawal, thyroid storm, hypertensive crises, and sepsis or anxiety attacks. The most effective treatment to control these symptoms is yet to be identified. We present 2 individuals exhibiting these sympathetic surges; one whose symptoms were controlled with phenobarbital and the other with clonidine and oxycodone. Palliative medicine physicians should be made aware of this unusual complication.Keywords
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