Hypertensive encephalopathy presenting as status epilepticus in a three year old.

Background: Hypertensive encephalopathy is one of the few neurologic emergencies in which prompt diagnosis and treatment can prevent permanent neurological damage. This syndrome is rarely seen in children.
Objectives: To discuss the recognition of hypertensive encephalopathy as a cause of acute neurological changes in children.
Case Report: We present the case of a 3-year-old boy who presented to the Emergency Department with seizures due to hypertensive encephalopathy. A review of the literature on the subject follows the case report.
Conclusions: Hypertensive encephalopathy is a rare cause of acute neurological changes in children that can cause permanent damage if not recognized early. This case illustrates the importance of considering this syndrome as a potential cause of neurological symptoms, especially as neuroimaging can initially be misleading.
(Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)