Apoplexy is bleeding into a cavity or organ. There are various forms of apoplexy, including adrenal apoplexy (ie, bleeding into adrenal glands) and pituitary apoplexy (ie, bleeding into the pituitary gland).
Apoplexy may be caused by:
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. The following factors increase your chance of developing apoplexy. If you have any of these risk factors, tell your doctor:
If you experience any of these symptoms do not assume it is due to apoplexy. These symptoms may be caused by other, less serious health conditions. If you experience any one of them, see your physician.
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. Tests may include the following:
Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Once you have been stabilized, treatment options include the following, depending on the cause and location of your apoplexy:
RESOURCES:
The Hormone Foundation
http://www.hormone.org
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
http://www.ninds.nih.gov
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Institute for Health Information
http://www.cihi.ca/cihiweb/dispPage.jsp?cw_page=home_e
Canadian Institutes of Health Research
http://www.cihr-irsc.gc.ca/e/193.html
References:
Adrenal hemorrhage . Emedicine website. Available at: http://www.emedicine.com/med/topic3009.htm . Accessed December 3, 2006.
Apoplexy. Merriam-Webster website. Available at: http://www2.merriam-webster.com/cgi-bin/mwmednlm?book=Medical&va=apoplexy . Accessed December 3, 2006.
Pituitary apoplexy. University of California, Los Angeles website. Available at: http://pituitary.ucla.edu/Pituitary/PituitaryDis_14.html . Accessed December 3, 2006.
Last reviewed November 2008 by Marcin Chwistek, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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