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Paroxysmal autonomic alterations mimicking epilepsy: a case report
Kayihan Uluc1, Serap Saygi, Arda Yilmaz
1Hacettepe University Hospitals, Department of Neurology, Ankara, Turkey. kayihanuluc@hotmail.com
Summary
A patient with autonomic dysfunction experienced symptoms like sweating and high blood pressure due to central autonomic network damage. Lesions in this network can cause autonomic alterations that mimic epilepsy.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Autonomic Neuroscience
Background:
- The central autonomic network (CAN) regulates internal body functions.
- Lesions within the CAN can manifest as paroxysmal autonomic alterations.
Observation:
- A 22-year-old male presented with hyperhidrosis, mydriasis, hypertension, and tachycardia.
- Cranial and cervical MRI showed focal atrophy in the CAN and syringomyelia.
Findings:
- Autonomic testing revealed significant dysfunction.
- Medical and interventional procedures provided a poor response.
Implications:
- Damage to the CAN can lead to autonomic dysregulation mimicking seizures.
- Understanding CAN lesions is crucial for diagnosing and managing complex autonomic disorders.