Hypertensive leukoencephalopathy refers to a degeneration of the white matter of the brain following a sudden increase in blood pressure.[1]
Hypertensive leukoencephalopathy | |
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Specialty | Neurology |
Signs and symptoms
editSymptoms include sudden increase in blood pressure, acute confusional state, headaches, vomiting, and seizure. Retinal hemorrhages and hard exudates may be present on funduscopic exam. Hypertensive leukoencephalopathy may have concurrent cardiac ischemia and hematuria.
Diagnosis
editMRI shows hyperintensities on T2 weighted imaging, localized usually to the parietal and occipital regions.
Treatment
editAntihypertensives may be an effective treatment.
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ Blueprints Neurology, 2nd ed.