Hypertensive Encephalopathy in the Emergency Department, a Case of Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES)

Hypertension is commonly encountered in the emergency department. While emergency physicians are understandably concerned about hypertensive emergencies, such occurrences are rare. Here, we present a case report of hypertensive encephalopathy causing posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES), which manifested in a patient as altered mental status and seizures. We also discuss risk factors for PRES, common presentations, investigations, management, and PRES as a crucial consideration in patients with hypertension and altered mental status, given differences in management compared with other differential diagnoses. With timely recognition and treatment, most patients with PRES recover completely within several days.