Osmosis video - Pituitary apoplexy

Pituitary apoplexy is a rare but serious condition that occurs when there is either severe bleeding or loss of blood flow to the pituitary gland, leading to acute dysfunction of the pituitary gland. It is a medical emergency and requires prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Symptoms of pituitary apoplexy include sudden onset of severe headache, vision changes, nausea and vomiting, loss of consciousness, and neurological symptoms such as weakness or numbness on one side of the body. Treatment involves medications to control the bleeding or inflammation, and surgery to remove the pituitary tumor, or in some cases, a portion of the skull to relieve pressure.