Definition

Apoplexy is bleeding into a cavity or organ. There are a few forms of apoplexy, such as:

• Adrenal apoplexy—bleeding into the adrenal glands
• Pituitary apoplexy—bleeding into the pituitary gland

Pituitary Gland

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Causes

Apoplexy may be caused by:

• A tumor
• Hormonal imbalance
• Blood clot
• An illness
• Changes in blood volume or blood pressure
• Problems with blood clotting

Risk Factors

Things that may raise the risk of this problem are:

• Lack of hormones
• Prior surgery
• Bleeding problems
• Injury
• Severe blood loss during childbirth

Symptoms

Problems may be:

• Headache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Lack of hunger
• Weight loss
• Belly pain
• Diarrhea
• Bluish skin color
• Fever
• Problems seeing
• Confusion
• Pain
• Tiredness

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done.

These tests may be done to look for signs of apoplexy:

• Blood tests
• Urine tests

Pictures may be taken. This can be done with:

• CT scan
• MRI scan
• Ultrasound

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to stabilize the body. Other treatments will depend on the cause site of the apoplexy. For example:

• Medicine to correct hormonal imbalances
• Surgery to remove a tumor that is causing problems

Prevention

There are no known guidelines to prevent this problem.