Hypoglycemic encephalopathy with extensive brain injuries: A case report

Abstract

Hypoglycemia is known as a sudden diminution in blood glucose level <50 mg/dL. Hypoglycemic encephalopathy is a metabolic encephalopathy that is usually observed in patients treated for diabetes or chronic alcoholism. Neurological manifestations may range from transient deficits to prolonged coma, depending on the duration and severity of hypoglycemia. Neuroradiological features of hypoglycemia are variable involving the cerebral white and gray matter regions. Acquired metabolic or toxic conditions can cause hypoglycemia-like damage to the cerebral white matter and basal ganglia. Widespread lesions in the brain parenchyma or basal ganglia have a poor prognosis. In this report, we present a patient with widespread brain damage secondary to profound and prolonged hypoglycemia.

Keywords

• Hypoglycemic encephalopathy
• Coma
• Glucose
• Basal ganglia
• Brain injury