Current problems in pediatric and adolescent health care
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Curr Probl Pediatr Adolesc Health Care · Jul 2017
ReviewCalming the Storm: Dysautonomia for the Pediatrician.
Dysautonomia is a potentially life-threatening syndrome seen in many different types of brain injuries. It involves paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity and typically includes a constellation of symptoms, including: tachycardia, tachypnea, hyperthermia, hypertension, diaphoresis, hypertonia, and/or decerebrate or decorticate posturing. ⋯ Early management can help prevent comorbidities including secondary brain injury while also improving patient outcomes. This discussion serves as an overview of dysautonomia with a focus on management in the pediatric population including an example of a clinical algorithm and a review of the commonly used medications.