explosive syndrome

explosive syndrome

Neurology A complex characterized by episodic outbursts of verbal abuse and physical violence in response to minor provocation, unrelated to psychiatric disease, seen in organic brain disease, after trauma, and metabolic dysfunction–eg, hypoglycemia, Wilson's disease, uremia, hyperammonemia, androgen or 'roid rage–abuse, premenstrual syndrome, Cushing's disease; Pts are usually pleasant between outbursts and apologetic for the explosions Treatment Some Pts respond to propranolol. Cf Explosive personality.