Open AccessEfficacy of combination therapy with gabapentin and guanfacine for paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity following hypoxic encephalopathy: a case report
Author(s) -
Takafumi Miyoshi,
Chikaru Mizushima,
Yayoi Noborio,
Yasunori Kimoto,
Yasue Nakaharu,
Shinsaku Shimamoto
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of international medical research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.421
H-Index - 57
eISSN - 1473-2300
pISSN - 0300-0605
DOI - 10.1177/03000605211009721
Subject(s) - medicine , guanfacine , tachypnea , gabapentin , anesthesia , adverse effect , encephalopathy , tachycardia , combination therapy , clonidine , alternative medicine , pathology
Paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity (PSH) is a clinical syndrome of episodic sympathetic hyperactivities following severe acquired brain injury. It is characterized by paroxysmal hyperthermia, tachycardia, hypertension, tachypnea, excessive diaphoresis, and specific posturing. Although the persistence of PSH increases the risk of several adverse events and worsens the prognosis, pharmacological treatments for PSH have not yet been clearly established. We report the valuable case of a 60-year-old man who developed PSH following hypoxic encephalopathy, which was effectively treated with a combination therapy of gabapentin and guanfacine. The present case suggests that combination therapy with gabapentin and guanfacine may be a therapeutic option for PSH.