Neurogenic Myocardial Injury
| Cause |
|---|
| Brain injury disrupts the autonomic nervous system, leading to a surge in catecholamines. These hormones can directly damage the heart muscle, causing contraction band necrosis and other abnormalities. |
| Symptoms |
| Patients may experience ECG changes (like ST-T wave abnormalities and QT prolongation), elevated troponin levels (a marker of heart damage), and left ventricular dysfunction. |
| Diagnosis |
| NSM can mimic other conditions like myocardial infarction or Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, making diagnosis challenging. Invasive procedures like cardiac catheterization may be needed to rule out coronary artery disease. |
| Treatment |
| The primary focus is on managing the underlying neurological condition. Cardiac monitoring and supportive care are important, but treatment should generally prioritize neurologic recovery, as cardiac issues often improve with neurological improvement. |
| Prognosis |
| NSM is generally considered reversible, and cardiac function often recovers with neurological recovery. |
