Adrenal Crisis

People with adrenal insufficiency may suffer a life-threatening condition called an Adrenal Crisis, or Addisonian Crisis. This occurs when the body suddenly has a need for extra steroid hormones, but is unable to produce them. Examples include surgery (including dental surgery), trauma, and infection.

If an adrenal crisis is untreated, it can be fatal.

The stress caused by most dental surgery is unlikely to precipitate an Adrenal Crisis in a patient not known to have adrenal insufficiency, and other possibilities should be considered before making this diagnosis.

Signs and symptoms of an Adrenal Crisis

The signs and symptoms can vary, and may include:

• Confusion, slurred speech
• Nausea, vomiting
• Profound weakness, lethargy
• Sudden penetrating pain in the legs, lower back or abdomen
• Low blood pressure.
• Convulsions
• Loss of consciousness
• Hypoglycaemia