Recurrent dizzy spells: all in the head!

Ann Clin Biochem. 2005 Jan;42(Pt 1):78-9.

Abstract

Hypoglycaemia is an uncommon manifestation of hypopituitarism in non-diabetic adults. A 47-year-old woman with Cushing's disease was treated with bilateral adrenalectomy and pituitary radiotherapy following unsuccessful trans-sphenoidal surgery. Twenty years later, she presented with a tonic-clonic seizure and recurrent symptoms suggestive of spontaneous hypoglycaemia. Her symptoms continued despite manipulation of her glucocorticoid replacement therapy. Recurrent severe hypoglycaemia resolved after identification and treatment of her concomitant growth hormone deficiency. In patients with hypopituitarism, undiagnosed growth hormone deficiency can influence glucose metabolism and predispose to severe hypoglycaemia.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Disease Susceptibility
  • Dizziness / drug therapy
  • Dizziness / metabolism*
  • Female
  • Glucocorticoids / therapeutic use
  • Glucose / metabolism*
  • Growth Hormone / blood
  • Growth Hormone / deficiency*
  • Humans
  • Hypoglycemia / drug therapy
  • Hypoglycemia / etiology*
  • Hypopituitarism / drug therapy
  • Hypopituitarism / etiology*
  • Middle Aged

Substances

  • Glucocorticoids
  • Growth Hormone
  • Glucose