A true medical emergency
Can cause coma and death over hours
Encephalopathy from hypertension is more likely reversible than hypertension from other causes (e.g. hypertensive stroke)
Mgmt
     Avoid overzealous blood pressure lowering is particularly critical for patients with strokes
     Lab analysis can be important in identifying etiology in
          Pediatric patients
               Renal/renovascular disease
               Pheochromocytoma
          Pregnant patients
               HELLP syndrome

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The Compendium platform was created by David Kwinter, MD, CCFP(EM).