Dialysis Disequilibrium Syndrome (DDS) Quiz
Reviewed By:
Unnati Patel, MD, MSc (Family Medicine)
Dr.Patel serves as Center Medical Director and a Primary Care Physician at Oak Street Health in Arizona. She graduated from the Zhejiang University School of Medicine prior to working in clinical research focused on preventive medicine at the University of Illinois and the University of Nevada. Dr. Patel earned her MSc in Global Health from Georgetown University, during which she worked with the WHO in Sierra Leone and Save the Children in Washington, D.C. She went on to complete her Family Medicine residency in Chicago at Norwegian American Hospital before completing a fellowship in Leadership in Value-based Care in conjunction with the Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management, where she earned her MBA. Dr. Patel’s interests include health tech and teaching medical students and she currently serves as Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Arizona School of Medicine.
Shohei Harase, MD (Neurology)
Dr. Harase spent his junior and senior high school years in Finland and the U.S. After graduating from the University of Washington (Bachelor of Science, Molecular and Cellular Biology), he worked for Apple Japan Inc. before entering the University of the Ryukyus School of Medicine. He completed his residency at Okinawa Prefectural Chubu Hospital, where he received the Best Resident Award in 2016 and 2017. In 2021, he joined the Department of Cerebrovascular Medicine at the National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, specializing in hyperacute stroke.
Content updated on Apr 4, 2024
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What is Dialysis Disequilibrium Syndrome (DDS)?
Dialysis disequilibrium syndrome occurs when a group of neurological symptoms arise in patients on hemodialysis due to the sudden and rapid removal of urea, a waste product, from their blood. These symptoms include nausea, headaches, vomiting, and restlessness. More severe symptoms can lead to seizures and comas.
Typical Symptoms of Dialysis Disequilibrium Syndrome (DDS)
Kidney failure on dialysis
Headache
Seizure
Nausea or vomiting
My brain is not functioning right now
Fatigue
Leg cramps
Weakness in arms or legs
Doctor's Diagnostic Questionson Dialysis Disequilibrium Syndrome (DDS)
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this disease:
Are you currently on dialysis?
Do you have headaches or a heavy feeling in your head?
Have you had a seizure?
Are you feeling nauseous or have you been vomiting?
Do you struggle to focus or feel less aware of your surroundings?
Treatmentof Dialysis Disequilibrium Syndrome (DDS)
Your doctor may prescribe fluids and some medications aimed at reducing the pressure in your head to alleviate the symptoms. After that, your hemodialysis prescription will likely be adjusted to prevent future recurrences.
Think you might have
Dialysis Disequilibrium Syndrome (DDS)
View the symptoms of Dialysis Disequilibrium Syndrome (DDS)
Diseases related to Dialysis Disequilibrium Syndrome (DDS)
References
Bhandari B, Komanduri S. Dialysis Disequilibrium Syndrome. [Updated 2023 May 29]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559018/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559018/
User Testimonials
Reviewed By:
Unnati Patel, MD, MSc (Family Medicine)
Dr.Patel serves as Center Medical Director and a Primary Care Physician at Oak Street Health in Arizona. She graduated from the Zhejiang University School of Medicine prior to working in clinical research focused on preventive medicine at the University of Illinois and the University of Nevada. Dr. Patel earned her MSc in Global Health from Georgetown University, during which she worked with the WHO in Sierra Leone and Save the Children in Washington, D.C. She went on to complete her Family Medicine residency in Chicago at Norwegian American Hospital before completing a fellowship in Leadership in Value-based Care in conjunction with the Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management, where she earned her MBA. Dr. Patel’s interests include health tech and teaching medical students and she currently serves as Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Arizona School of Medicine.
Shohei Harase, MD (Neurology)
Dr. Harase spent his junior and senior high school years in Finland and the U.S. After graduating from the University of Washington (Bachelor of Science, Molecular and Cellular Biology), he worked for Apple Japan Inc. before entering the University of the Ryukyus School of Medicine. He completed his residency at Okinawa Prefectural Chubu Hospital, where he received the Best Resident Award in 2016 and 2017. In 2021, he joined the Department of Cerebrovascular Medicine at the National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, specializing in hyperacute stroke.
Think you might have
Dialysis Disequilibrium Syndrome (DDS)
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Cardiothoracic Surgery, Vascular Surgery
Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery Associates