Apoplexy is bleeding into a cavity or organ. There are various forms of apoplexy, including adrenal apoplexy (bleeding into adrenal glands) and pituitary apoplexy (bleeding into the pituitary gland).
Pituitary Gland
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Apoplexy may be caused by:
Factors that increase your chance of developing apoplexy include:
If you have any of these symptoms do not assume it is due to apoplexy. These symptoms may be caused by other, less serious health conditions. Apoplexy can cause:
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Blood and urine tests will be done to look for signs of bleeding. Your doctor may also need images to look for areas of bleeding. Images may be taken with:
Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Initial treatment will be done to stabilize you. Once you have been stabilized, treatment options will be chosen based on the cause and location of your apoplexy. Options include:
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/
Canadian Institutes of Health Research
http://www.cihr-irsc.gc.ca/
References:
Pituitary apoplexy . UCLA Health System website. Available at: http://neurosurgery.ucla.edu/body.cfm?id=206 . Accessed December 31, 2012.
Pituitary apoplexy. University of California, Los Angeles website. Available at: http://pituitary.ucla.edu/Pituitary/PituitaryDis_14.html . Accessed December 31, 2012.
Last reviewed November 2012 by Kim Carmichael, 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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