What are the symptoms of dialysis disequilibrium syndrome (dds)?

Symptoms of DIALYSIS DISEQUILIBRIUM SYNDROME (DDS) are: (1) Kidney failure on dialysis. (2) Headache. (3) Nausea or vomiting. (4) Fatigue. (5) My brain is not functioning right now

Dialysis Disequilibrium Syndrome (DDS) Quiz

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Reviewed By:

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.

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The first symptom was pain around the ears or at the back of my head
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Learn more about Dialysis disequilibrium syndrome (DDS)

Content updated on Sep 20, 2022

What is dialysis disequilibrium syndrome (DDS)?

Dialysis disequilibrium syndrome is when a group of neurological symptoms occur to patients on hemodialysis due to the sudden and rapid removal of urea, a waste product, from your blood. These symptoms include nausea, headaches, vomiting and restlessness. More serious symptoms can result in seizures and comas.

Symptoms of dialysis disequilibrium syndrome (DDS)

Kidney failure on dialysis
Headache
Nausea or vomiting
Fatigue
My brain is not functioning right now

Questions your doctor may ask to check for dialysis disequilibrium syndrome (DDS)

Your doctor may ask these questions to diagnose dialysis disequilibrium syndrome (DDS)

Are you currently on dialysis (hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, etc)?
Do you have headaches or does your head feel heavy?
Do you have nausea or vomiting?
Do you feel fatigued?
Do you have problems focusing or a reduced sense of awareness in your surroundings?

Treatment for dialysis disequilibrium syndrome (DDS)

Your doctor may prescribe you with fluids and some medications aimed at reducing the blood pressure in your head to reduce the symptoms. After that, your hemodialysis prescription will likely be modified to prevent future recurrences.