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

Content on this page has not been checked for accuracy. The author's credentials have not been confirmed. Always use multiple peer-reviewed scholarly sources and good clinical judgement in your decision making.

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

Dr. Kwinter is a Cayman Family Doctor. He runs a Family Medicine Clinic at Cayman Medical in George Town, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands.