Signs of a Crisis Video
Learn more about the 3 common signs of a hyperammonemic crisis.
-
Overview
-
Transcript
Recognizing a hyperammonemic crisis is crucial for UCD patients. Symptoms like headache, vomiting, and sleepiness signal dangerous ammonia buildup, requiring immediate medical attention.
One of the most important concerns that we have with patients with urea cycle disorders is that their chronic exposure to ammonia or having high levels of ammonia and that ammonia builds up and affects your brain.
A hyperammonemic crisis is when your body starts breaking down protein and building up ammonia.
That build up can lead to toxic levels of ammonia, leading to a crisis that could potentially end up in coma or brain damage.
The 3 most common signs of hyperammonemia in a patient with urea cycle disorder include a headache, vomiting, and increased sleepiness.
If you think you're experiencing a hyperammonemic crisis, you should call your emergency phone number for your metabolic team immediately and head to the emergency room.
