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Definition

Apoplexy is bleeding into a cavity or organ. There are various forms of apoplexy, including adrenal apoplexy (ie, bleeding into adrenal glands) and pituitary apoplexy (ie, bleeding into the pituitary gland).

Causes

Apoplexy may be caused by:

Expansion of a tumor
Hormonal imbalance
Blood clot
Limited venous drainage
Acute illness
Drastic changes in blood volume or blood pressure
Blood coagulation disorders

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. The following factors increase your chance of developing apoplexy. If you have any of these risk factors, tell your doctor:

Hormonal insufficiency
Previous surgery
Bleeding disorders
Injury

Symptoms

If you experience any of these symptoms do not assume it is due to apoplexy. These symptoms may be caused by other, less serious health conditions. If you experience any one of them, see your physician.

Headache
Nausea
Loss of vision
Double vision
Altered mental status
Pain
Fatigue

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. Tests may include the following:

Blood Tests
Urine Tests
Computed Tomography (CT) Scan –a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of structures inside the body
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) –a test that uses magnetic waves to make pictures of structures inside the body
Ultrasound –a test that uses radiation to take a picture of structures inside the body

Treatment

Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Once you have been stabilized, treatment options include the following, depending on the cause and location of your apoplexy:

Medications

Corticosteroids or hormonal therapies may be used to correct hormonal imbalances.

Surgery

If the apoplexy was caused by a tumor, the tumor may be surgically removed.

Prevention

There is no known way to prevent apoplexy.

RESOURCES:

The Hormone Foundation

http://www.hormone.org

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

http://www.ninds.nih.gov

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Canadian Institute for Health Information

http://www.cihi.ca/cihiweb/dispPage.jsp?cw_page=home_e

Canadian Institutes of Health Research

http://www.cihr-irsc.gc.ca/e/193.html

References:

Adrenal hemorrhage. Emedicine website. Available at: http://www.emedicine.com/med/topic3009.htm . Accessed December 3, 2006.

Apoplexy. Merriam-Webster website. Available at: http://www2.merriam-webster.com/cgi-bin/mwmednlm?book=Medical&va=apoplexy . Accessed December 3, 2006.

Pituitary apoplexy. UCLA website. Available at: http://pituitary.ucla.edu/Pituitary/PituitaryDis_14.html . Accessed December 3, 2006.

Last reviewed January 2007 by Jill Landis, MD

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Apoplexy