Diving into the Ice Bucket Challenge: Intraparenchymal Hemorrhage and the Mammalian Diving Reflex

Kathleen Mckee, Sarah Nelson, Ayush Batra, Joshua P. Klein, Galen V. Henderson, Kathleen Mckee, Sarah Nelson, Ayush Batra, Kathleen Mckee, Sarah Nelson, Ayush Batra, Joshua P. Klein, Galen V. Henderson, Joshua P. Klein

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

Triggered by facial exposure to cold water and apnea, the mammalian diving reflex consists of bradycardia and peripheral arteriolar vasoconstriction leading to an increase in central arterial pressure. It has been previously associated with ischemic stroke but not definitively with intracerebral hemorrhage. We present a case of intracerebral hemorrhage occurring in a woman with poorly controlled hypertension following her participation in the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis fund-raising “Ice Bucket Challenge,” in which ice-cold water was poured on her head. We suspect that facial exposure to ice-cold water triggered the diving reflex, causing a hypertensive surge and ultimately the intracerebral hemorrhage.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)182-184
Number of pages3
JournalThe Neurohospitalist
Volume5
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 2015

Keywords

  • amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
  • cerebral hemorrhage
  • diving
  • hypertension
  • ice

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Clinical Neurology

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