Hypertensive encephalopathy is a neurological dysfunction induced by
malignant hypertension. The term "hypertensive encephalopathy" was introduced to describe this type of
encephalopathy by Oppenheimer and Fishberg in 1928. It describes cerebral conditions, typically reversible, caused by sudden and sustained severe elevation of
blood pressure. Hypertensive encephalopathy occurs in
eclampsia, acute
nephritis and crises in essential
hypertension. Symptoms of hypertensive encephalopathy include headache, restlessness, nausea, disturbances of consciousness,
seizures,
bleeding in the retina, and
papilledema. Focal brain lesions may be associated with specific neurological symptoms. These neurological impairments may culminate in a
coma. The condition is treated by drugs that decrease blood pressure.