Hypertensive encephalopathy

Hypertensive encephalopathy is a life-threatening complication during the course of hypertension and is one of the common medical emergencies. It refers to a series of acute cerebral circulatory disturbance syndromes caused by a rapid and sustained increase in blood pressure (diastolic blood pressure exceeding 120 mmHg), leading to cerebral edema and increased intracranial pressure. During an attack, severe headache, vomiting, convulsions, and coma may occur.