If you have a sudden, severe ("worst-ever") headache with vision changes or double vision, seek emergency care now.
What Is Pituitary Apoplexy?
Pituitary apoplexy happens when a pituitary tumor suddenly bleeds or loses its blood supply and swells. It sometimes occurs in people who did not know they had a pituitary tumor.
Warning Signs
A sudden, severe headache; vision loss or double vision; nausea and vomiting; and, in some cases, a dangerous drop in cortisol that can be life-threatening.
Emergency Treatment
Apoplexy needs urgent evaluation. Treatment often includes stress-dose steroids to protect against cortisol deficiency and, in some cases — particularly with vision loss — urgent transsphenoidal surgery to relieve the pressure.Become our Patient. Send us your MRI and recent bloodwork and our team will review your case. Call 813-333-1186 or fax records to 844-691-5928.