Neurogenic Stunned Myocardium

Neurogenic stunned myocardium may be defined as myocardial injury and dysfunction occurring after diverse types of acute brain injury as a result of imbalance of the autonomic nervous system. The spectrum of observed cardiac abnormalities includes electrocardiographic changes, arrhythmia, myocardial necrosis, release of B-type natriuretic peptide, and both systolic and diastolic dysfunction of the left ventricle. These are reversible abnormalities, and although management should include careful cardiac monitoring, treatments should generally focus on the underlying neurologic process to maximize neurologic recovery.