# Paroxysmal Sympathetic Hyperactivity Syndrome in the Setting of Fat Emboli Syndrome Secondary to Polytrauma

## TL;DR

This paper reports a rare case of a dangerous brain condition caused by fat embolism after a severe car accident in a teenage girl.

## Contribution

The novelty lies in describing paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity syndrome in the specific context of cerebral fat embolism syndrome following polytrauma.

## Key findings

- PSH syndrome occurred alongside cerebral FES in a polytraumatized adolescent.
- The case emphasizes the need for rapid diagnosis and treatment of this rare condition.
- The combination of PSH and FES highlights a unique clinical scenario following traumatic injury.

## Abstract

Paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity (PSH) syndrome is a potentially life-threatening complication after traumatic brain injuries that results from a massive release of catecholamines in the brain. Fat embolism syndrome (FES) is a complication of long bone fractures that results in cerebral or pulmonary fat emboli. We describe PSH in the setting of cerebral FES in an adolescent female following polytrauma secondary to a motor vehicle collision to highlight the importance of rapid diagnosis and treatment of this rare complication.