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Hypertensive Encephalopathy: R. A Case Study

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Lastly, hypertensive encephalopathy is another contributing factor to the presence of R.A’s epileptic episodes. Hypertensive encephalopathy is described as “clinicopathologic syndrome arising in the setting of malignant hypertension, and is characterized by diffuse cerebral dysfunction, including headaches, confusion, vomiting, and convulsions, sometimes leading to coma” (Cite from website). As the amount of BP within the cerebral vessels is elevated and sustained, the vessels respond in spasms. As cerebral spasms occur, the amount of blood that reaches the brain is reduced, resulting in cerebral ischemia and infarction. As this response mechanism continues, cerebral edema occurs, ultimately leading to an epileptic event (Cite from website).

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