Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis with an acute hypertensive crises

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Autonomic Nervous System Function

Background:

• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) typically involves motor neurons, with autonomic function usually preserved.
• Autonomic dysfunction is considered rare and not prominent in ALS patients.
• Limited research exists on dysautonomia in the context of ALS.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of significant autonomic dysfunction in an Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis patient.
• To highlight the occurrence of hypertensive crises and tachycardia in ALS.
• To describe the successful management of dysautonomia in this patient.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a 55-year-old male diagnosed with ALS.
• Observation of acute severe hypertension, tachycardia, and blood pressure fluctuations.
• Pharmacological intervention using diazepam and doxazocin mesylate.

Main Results:

• The patient experienced severe hypertensive attacks and dysautonomic signs post-ALS diagnosis and mechanical ventilation.
• Dysautonomia, including hypertension and tachycardia, was effectively controlled.
• Diazepam and doxazocin mesylate proved successful in managing the patient's autonomic instability.

Conclusions:

• Severe autonomic dysfunction can occur, albeit rarely, in patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.
• Prompt management of dysautonomia is crucial for patient stability.
• Pharmacological agents like diazepam and alpha-blockers can effectively treat these episodes in ALS.