Seizure in a Seven-Year-Old With Hypertensive Encephalopathy: A Report of a Rare Case

TL;DR

A seven-year-old boy had a seizure due to high blood pressure, highlighting the need to consider hypertensive encephalopathy in children.

Contribution

This case report emphasizes hypertensive encephalopathy as a rare but important cause of seizures in pediatric patients.

Findings

A previously healthy child presented with status epilepticus and high blood pressure.

MRI confirmed posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome due to uncontrolled hypertension.

Symptoms improved with antihypertensive treatment, leading to discharge.

Abstract

Hypertensive encephalopathy is a rare etiology for seizures in the pediatric population. A previously healthy seven-year-old boy presented to our Emergency Department (ED) with status epilepticus and high blood pressure. In spite of normal initial findings, the patient’s elevated blood pressure prompted concern for hypertensive encephalopathy. A subsequent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan identified posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) as a condition resulting from uncontrolled high blood pressure. Following appropriate antihypertensive management, the patient’s symptoms were alleviated, and he was eventually discharged. The case highlights why hypertensive encephalopathy must be recognized as a potential cause of seizures in pediatric patients. It also shows the significance of measuring blood pressure in children as part of their initial assessment.

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