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Updated: Feb 4, 2026
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A Bedside, Single Burr Hole Approach to Multimodality Monitoring in Severe Brain Injury
Published on: March 26, 2019
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Severe Hypokalemia Mimicking Brain Death
Asif Ali Hitawala1, Piyush Garg1, Abhay Jain2
1Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Medical Intensive Care Unit, GBH American Hospital, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India.
Summary
Severe hypokalemia led to a young woman experiencing a brain-dead appearance and seizure. Prompt treatment resulted in a remarkable recovery, highlighting the importance of electrolyte balance in neurological function.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Internal Medicine
- Critical Care
Background:
- Electrolyte imbalances, particularly hypokalemia, can precipitate severe neurological dysfunction.
- Hypokalemia is a critical condition that can manifest with diverse and severe clinical symptoms.
Observation:
- A 20-year-old female presented with fever, vomiting, and decreased oral intake, progressing to seizure and altered sensorium.
- On presentation, she exhibited signs of brain death, including a Glasgow Coma Scale of 3, fixed dilated pupils, hypotension, and hypoxemia.
Findings:
- Investigations revealed profound hypokalemia and acute hypoxic-ischemic brain injury.
- Despite the initial critical state, the patient experienced a significant clinical recovery.
Implications:
- This case underscores the potential for severe neurological compromise due to hypokalemia.
- Early recognition and aggressive management of electrolyte disturbances are crucial for improving outcomes in critical neurological conditions.
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