The information on this website is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your physician for health concerns.

+90 850 321 50 00

PRES (Posterior Reversible Leukoencephalopathy)

A clinical syndrome with sudden-onset headache, seizure and visual disturbance.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Nöroloji department. Book Appointment →

What is PRES (Posterior Reversible Leukoencephalopathy)?

PRES (posterior reversible leukoencephalopathy syndrome) is a clinical-radiological syndrome that presents with symptoms such as headache, seizures, visual disturbance and altered consciousness, and is characterised on MRI by oedema usually in the posterior parts of the brain.

The most common triggers include severe hypertension, pre-eclampsia/eclampsia, renal failure, sepsis and certain immunosuppressive/chemotherapeutic drugs. Oedema develops due to disrupted autoregulation of cerebral vessels.

As its name suggests, with timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment it is reversible; however, if treatment is delayed there is a risk of permanent damage and bleeding.

Symptoms

Severe and sudden headache
Blurred vision or vision loss
Seizures
Confusion and altered consciousness
Vomiting
Imbalance
High blood pressure

Risk Factors

Uncontrolled hypertension
Pre-eclampsia and eclampsia
Renal failure
Immunosuppressives such as ciclosporin, tacrolimus
Cancer chemotherapies
Sepsis and autoimmune diseases
Post-organ-transplant period

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • If severe headache and high blood pressure are present together (urgent)
  • If seizure, visual disturbance or headache develops in pregnancy
  • If altered consciousness is present
  • New neurological symptoms during renal failure or cancer treatment
  • New seizure or headache after organ transplantation

Treatment Methods

01
Removal of the trigger factor (blood pressure control etc.)
02
Intensive care monitoring
03
Antihypertensive therapy (controlled blood pressure reduction)
04
Magnesium sulphate (in eclampsia)
05
Antiepileptic treatment for seizures
06
Discontinuation of the offending drug
07
Renal failure management
08
Imaging follow-up (MRI)

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Nöroloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Nöroloji Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

Book AppointmentContact Us

Related Health Topics

Other articles from the same department you may want to explore.

Headache and Migraine

Nöroloji

What you need to know about headache types, migraine attacks, and triggering factors.

Low Back Pain

Nöroloji

Learn about the most common causes of low back pain, risk factors, and appropriate treatment approaches.

Neck Pain and Cervical Disc Herniation

Nöroloji

Learn about the symptoms and treatment options for cervical disc herniation and problems in the neck region.

Epilepsy

Nöroloji

Accurate information about epilepsy, types of seizures, and recommendations for patients and families.

Parkinson Disease

Nöroloji

Parkinson disease is caused by progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons and alpha-synuclein accumulation; well-timed therapy substantially improves function and quality of life.

Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia

Nöroloji

Information about early signs, diagnosis, and the care process for Alzheimer's and other types of dementia.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Nöroloji

What is multiple sclerosis, who is at risk, and which treatments are applied?

Stroke

Nöroloji

What is stroke, what are the FAST signs, and why is emergency intervention critical?

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.