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Acute, severe self-limiting dysautonomia and hypertensive encephalopathy
S F Dixon1, R E Appleton, J E Davidson
1The Roald Dahl EEG Unit, Department of Neurology, Alder Hey Children's Hospital, Liverpool, United Kingdom.
Pediatric Neurology
|November 13, 2001
Summary
Two children experienced severe autonomic dysfunction after a viral illness, presenting with pain and high blood pressure. Their symptoms fully resolved, suggesting a possible pure autonomic variant of Guillain-Barré syndrome.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Autonomic Medicine
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Autonomic dysfunction can manifest in various ways following viral infections.
- Guillain-Barré syndrome typically involves motor and sensory deficits, but variants exist.
Observation:
- Two children presented with severe burning dysesthesia, allodynia, and hypertensive encephalopathy post-viral illness.
- Laboratory tests revealed sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system disturbances in both patients.
Findings:
- No specific underlying cause was identified for the children's condition.
- Both patients achieved complete clinical and radiological recovery within months, with no relapse over several years.
- Treatment for dysesthesia was challenging, requiring comprehensive pain management and physiotherapy.
Implications:
- This case series suggests a potential pure autonomic variant of Guillain-Barré syndrome in children.
- Understanding such rare presentations is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management of post-infectious autonomic disorders.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the pathophysiology and long-term outcomes of this condition.