What is the definition of Apoplexy?

Apoplexy is bleeding into an organ or loss of blood flow to an organ. For example,

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

Apoplexy refers to stroke symptoms that occur suddenly. Such symptoms occur due to bleeding into the brain. It can also occur by a blood clot in a brain blood vessel. Conditions such as subarachnoid hemorrhage or stroke are sometimes called apoplexy.

Functional apoplexy is when a person appears to be having stroke-like symptoms. However, there is no brain defect.

REFERENCES

Goldstein LB. Approach to cerebrovascular disease. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 378.

Thiessen MEW. Thyroid and adrenal disorders. In: Walls RM, Hockberger RS, Gausche-Hill M, eds. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 120.