Persistent Autonomic Hyperfunction Following Hypertensive Intracerebral Hemorrhage

ABSTRACT

Persistent autonomic hyperfunction is not well-recognized disease entity. Recently the authors experienced one case following hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage in the basal ganglia. It was manifested as storms of hypertension, tachycardia, hyperthermia, severe diaphoresis, hyperventilation and decerebrate posture. Extensive investigations on infection, pheochromocytoma or status epilepticus revealed no abnormalities. Medications including antibiotics, antipyretics and antiepileptic agents were administered, but in vain. However, intravenous morphine infusion managed to stabilize his conditions. To our knowledge, the present case is the first one to be thermographed, and is the second case next to Rossitch's report of autonomic dysfunction following intracerebral hemorrhage.