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Hallucinations as a presenting feature in malignant hypertension
J Rosbotham1, J M Ritter, J P Watson
1Guy's Hospital, London.
The British Journal of Clinical Practice
|January 1, 1992
Summary
Malignant hypertension can cause visual disturbances and hallucinations. Controlling blood pressure effectively resolved these neurological symptoms and encephalopathy.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Nephrology
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Malignant hypertension, a severe form of high blood pressure, can arise from renovascular issues.
- Neurological and visual complications are potential sequelae of uncontrolled malignant hypertension.
Observation:
- A 68-year-old male patient presented with profound visual impairment and complex visual hallucinations.
- These symptoms were associated with malignant hypertension of renovascular origin.
Findings:
- Following pharmacological control of the patient's hypertension, the visual hallucinations completely resolved within four weeks.
- Electroencephalographic (EEG) findings indicative of encephalopathy also normalized after blood pressure management.
Implications:
- This case highlights the reversible nature of certain neurological and visual deficits caused by malignant hypertension.
- Effective management of renovascular hypertension is crucial for preventing and reversing associated end-organ damage, including cerebral dysfunction.