Baroreflex failure is a rare condition in which individuals experience blood pressure changes including periods of severely high blood pressure (hypertension) during times of stress alternating with normal or low blood pressure (hypotension) at rest. Symptoms for baroreflex failure may include headaches, excessive sweating, heart rate that is unchanged by medications, extremely high blood pressure and heart rate with stress and low blood pressure at rest. In many cases, the cause of baroreflex failure is unknown. However, it can be caused when there is damage to the nerves in the neck that should sense blood pressure. Causes can include damage from surgery to this region, after radiation cancer treatment involving the neck, or certain types of strokes. Unfortunately, baroreflex failure is hard to diagnose as it mirrors other more common disorders. In order to properly diagnose the condition, physicians monitor one’s heart rate and blood pressure during daily activities and other specific testing options. Upon diagnosis, treatment is the use of medications used to manage blood pressure, stress, and heart rate. If you have experienced any of these causes or suspect that you might have baroreflex failure, contact your physician. If you have been diagnosed with baroreflex failure, talk with your doctor and specialists about the most current treatment options.