Related Experiment Videos
Hypertensive brainstem encephalopathy: clinical and radiographic features
Madhav Thambisetty1, Valerie Biousse, Nancy J Newman
1Department of Neurology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
Journal of the Neurological Sciences
|March 18, 2003
Summary
Reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome (PRES) can affect the brainstem, even with mild symptoms. Prompt hypertension treatment resolves brainstem abnormalities, differentiating it from stroke.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
Background:
- Reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is typically characterized by supratentorial white matter abnormalities.
- Hypertension is a common trigger for PRES.
Observation:
- This study details three cases of PRES with predominant brainstem involvement and relative supratentorial sparing.
- Patients presented with headache and confusion despite limited focal brainstem neurological deficits.
Findings:
- Neuroimaging revealed extensive abnormalities within the brainstem in all three patients.
- Clinical symptoms and imaging findings resolved completely following effective management of severe hypertension.
Implications:
- This presentation expands the spectrum of PRES, highlighting brainstem involvement as a potential, albeit rare, manifestation.
- Distinguishing hypertensive encephalopathy from brainstem infarction is crucial for appropriate management and prognosis.