23 hours ago Primary adrenal insufficiency (PAI) is a relatively rare but serious condition that can lead to signs and symptoms ranging from mild generalized weakness and fatigue to fulminant shock and death. We present the case of a previously healthy 31-year-old man who developed PAI while undergoing rehabilitation after a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). >> Go To The Portal
Some obscure clinical presentations in this patient introduced more difficulties to the diagnoses. For example, while GI symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and constipation are relatively common in patients with adrenal insufficiency; SBO is an uncommon presentation.
Adrenal crisis is a group of clinical manifestation predominantly with hypotensive shock, electrolyte imbalance in a patient with adrenal insufficiency or in a patient who was abruptly withdrawn from glucocorticoid treatment acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is one of the most common acute leukaemia in adults.
However, recent studies have indicated that adrenalectomy might cause irreversible impairment of the adrenocortical reserve.
Rationale: Unilateral adrenalectomy as part of surgical resection of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is not thought to increase the risk of chronic adrenal insufficiency, as the contralateral adrenal gland is assumed to be capable of compensating for the lost function of the resected gland.
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the multiple etiologies of secondary adrenal insufficiency [2–7].
It is likely that traumatic brain injury could produce secondary adrenal insufficiency due to disruption of the hypothalamus or pituitary gland. In these cases, the adrenal glands are expected to mount an appropriate response to the low-dose stimulation test since they are not yet atrophic.
Physical complicationsSeizures. Some people with traumatic brain injury will develop seizures. ... Fluid buildup in the brain (hydrocephalus). ... Infections. ... Blood vessel damage. ... Headaches. ... Vertigo.
The part of the pituitary gland that regulates growth hormone (GH) release is particularly vulnerable to the effects of head injury. Reduced production of GH causes symptoms of fatigue, reduced interest in sex, reduced stamina, anxiety, and depression.
Two important parts of the endocrine system—the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus—are located in or near the brain. TBI can injure them, causing hormone problems. A person with TBI may have hormone problems right away or months or even years after the injury.
With concussion-related symptoms, the brain is not correctly communicating with your adrenals, resulting in adrenal-related symptoms.
Types of TBIsConcussions.Contusions.Penetrating injuries.Anoxic brain injuries.
Headache or “pressure” in head.Nausea or vomiting.Balance problems or dizziness, or double or blurry vision.Bothered by light or noise.Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy.Confusion, or concentration or memory problems.Just not “feeling right,” or “feeling down”.
Some examples of traumatic brain injuries, include:Concussion. Concussions are one of the more common traumatic brain injuries. ... Edema. ... Diffuse Axonal Injury. ... Hematoma. ... Skull Fracture. ... Hemorrhage. ... Hypoxic/anoxic Brain Injury. ... Stroke.
The impact forces generated by traumatic brain injury may directly harm the pituitary gland, especially its stalk, and result in abnormal hormone production (32, 33, 34).
Results: Pituitary dysfunction occurs in approximately 20-40% of patients diagnosed with moderate and severe traumatic brain injury giving rise to growth hormone deficiency, hypogonadism, hypothyroidism, hypocortisolism, and central diabetes insipidus.
Why Concussions Should Be Taken Seriously. Research shows that people who suffer from a brain injury are also at a higher risk for experiencing imbalances in hormone production, such as a pituitary dysfunction.
Persistent post-concussive symptoms, also called post-concussion syndrome, occurs when concussion symptoms last beyond the expected recovery period after the initial injury. The usual recovery period is weeks to months. These symptoms may include headaches, dizziness, and problems with concentration and memory.
Post-traumatic hypopituitarism (PTHP) is an important and relatively common complication of TBI (traumatic brain injury). A number of studies have shown that this clinical phenomenon can occur soon after TBI (acute) or later in the chronic phase.
Following a concussion, you move to a “fight or flight” state of being through the sympathetic nervous system. The calming part of the nervous system is shut down. This is Parasympathetic Nervous System. It affects the largest cranial nerve called the vagus nerve.
Following the initial period of accelerated glucose utilization, the concussed brain goes into a period of depressed metabolism. Persistent increases in calcium may impair mitochondrial oxidative metabolism and worsen the energy crisis.