Paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity in children: An updated narrative review

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Critical Care Medicine
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity (PSH) is a clinical syndrome following brain injuries.
• It presents with potentially life-threatening symptoms like tachycardia, tachypnea, hyperthermia, and hypertension.
• PSH is a diagnosis of exclusion, requiring careful clinical evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize the key features of paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity.
• To highlight the importance of early diagnosis and management.
• To emphasize the necessity of a multimodal treatment approach.

Main Methods:

• Clinical diagnosis based on a constellation of signs and symptoms.
• Exclusion of other potential causes for the observed clinical presentation.
• Multimodal management strategies.

Main Results:

• PSH involves symptoms such as tachycardia, tachypnea, hyperthermia, hypertension, diaphoresis, and abnormal posturing.
• It is a clinical diagnosis that requires ruling out other conditions.
• A combination of environmental modifications and pharmacotherapy is essential for treatment.

Conclusions:

• Prompt recognition and management of PSH are vital.
• Early intervention can prevent comorbidities associated with PSH.
• Effective management improves overall patient outcomes following brain injury.