Flammer syndrome

Flammer syndrome
Synonyms
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Cold hands, cold feet, low blood pressure, migraines, tinnitus, increased sensitivity to smell, increased sensitivity to pain, increased sensitivity to certain medications
Complications	Normal-tension glaucoma
Onset	Usually adulthood
Duration	Chronic
Types	N/A
Causes	Vascular dysregulation
Risks	Genetic predisposition, stress, female gender
Diagnosis	Clinical evaluation, patient history
Differential diagnosis	Raynaud's phenomenon, migraine disorders, chronic fatigue syndrome
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Lifestyle modifications, calcium channel blockers, magnesium supplements
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Generally benign, but may lead to glaucoma
Frequency	Unknown, but more common in women
Deaths	N/A

Flammer Syndrome is a phenotype characterized by a predisposition to an altered reaction to various stimuli, primarily cold and emotional stress. The syndrome was first described by Josef Flammer, a Swiss ophthalmologist, and hence the name.

Symptoms

The symptoms of Flammer Syndrome are diverse and can affect various systems of the body. The most common symptoms include cold hands and feet, low blood pressure, and a propensity for normal tension glaucoma. Other symptoms can include migraines, altered drug sensitivity, and a tendency towards Raynaud's phenomenon.

Causes

The exact cause of Flammer Syndrome is unknown. However, it is believed to be related to an overreaction of the body's autonomic nervous system, particularly the part that controls the blood vessels' response to stimuli such as cold and stress.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Flammer Syndrome is primarily based on the patient's symptoms and medical history. There are no specific tests for the syndrome, but certain findings on ophthalmologic examination, such as an increased retinal venous pressure, can support the diagnosis.

Treatment

There is no specific treatment for Flammer Syndrome. Management primarily involves addressing the individual symptoms and avoiding triggers. For example, keeping warm can help prevent symptoms related to cold, and stress management techniques can help control symptoms related to emotional stress.

Prognosis

The prognosis for individuals with Flammer Syndrome is generally good. The syndrome does not typically affect life expectancy, but it can significantly impact quality of life due to the various symptoms.

See Also

• Autonomic nervous system
• Glaucoma
• Raynaud's phenomenon