Paroxysmal sympathetic storm.
BACKGROUND
Paroxysmal sympathetic storm (PSS) is a rare syndrome characterized by episodic hypertension, hyperhydrosis, hyperthermia, tachycardia, tachypnea, and extensor posturing.


METHODS
This article describes two cases of PSS: one following traumatic brain injury and the other following cardiac arrest.


CONCLUSIONS
The first responded to labetalol, morphine, and codeine, whereas the second responded to labetalol.


CONCLUSIONS
These observations underscore the importance of central opioid receptors and nonselective beta-adrenergic antagonists in modulating catecholamine pathways.
Diamond
Alan L
AL
Department of Neurology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, USA.
Callison
R Charlie
RC
Shokri
Jahansouz
J
Cruz-Flores
Salvador
S
Kinsella
Laurence J
LJ
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000328:Adult; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000150:complications*; D005334:Fever / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D006323:Heart Arrest / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D006945:Hyperhidrosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D007741:Labetalol / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009020:Morphine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009127:Muscle Rigidity / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D013577:Syndrome; D013610:Tachycardia / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D009020:Morphine; D007741:Labetalol