- Adrenaline is a hormone that also acts as a neurotransmitter. It is stored in the adrenal glands and is responsible for the "fight or flight" reaction of the human nervous system. Also called epinephrine, adrenaline prepares the body for action during emergency situations, giving an abrupt upsurge of energy.
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Several factors can cause an adrenaline rush: fear, excitement and the sense of imminent danger. Extreme and sudden emotions can also activate the adrenal glands to suddenly release adrenaline.
In some instances, however, underlying medical factors---such as anxiety disorders, panic attacks or a tumor in the Adrenal medulla---may trigger an adrenaline rush. - Anxiety disorders are associated with several forms of pathological and abnormal levels of fear and anxieties. Often, this disorder is a chronic condition that may be triggered by several traumatic events and injuries. Since an anxiety disorder causes sudden feelings of terror or fear, it often then triggers an adrenaline rush.
- Pheochromocytoma is a rare adrenaline-secreting tumor located in the medulla of the adrenal glands. People with this condition often show heart palpitations, extreme anxiety and fright, increase in blood glucose level, increased heart rate, forceful heartbeat and weight loss. The tumor may cause the uncontrollable release of adrenaline.
- A panic attack is a sudden feeling of intense anxiety or fear for no apparent reason. Because of the extreme change in emotions, a panic attack may give way to an adrenaline rush.
