| Autonomic Dysreflexia | | | What is "Autonomic Dysreflexia?"
Autonomic dysreflexia, also known as hyperreflexia, means an over-activity of the Autonomic Nervous System causing an abrupt onset of excessively high blood pressure.
AUTONOMIC DYSREFLEXIA CAN CAUSE A STROKE IF IT IS NOT TREATED
Persons at risk for this problem generally have injury levels above T-6. Autonomic dysreflexia can develop suddenly and is potentially life threatening and is considered a medical emergency. If not treated promptly and correctly, it may lead to seizures, stroke, and even death.
AD occurs when an irritating stimulus is introduced to the body below the level of spinal cord injury, such as an overfull bladder. The stimulus sends nerve impulses to the spinal cord, where they travel upward until they are blocked by the lesion at the level of injury. Since the impulses cannot reach the brain, a reflex is activated that increases activity of the sympathetic portion of autonomic nervous system. This results in spasms and a narrowing of the blood vessels, which causes a rise in the blood pressure.
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Causes |
There can be many stimuli that cause autonomic dysreflexia. Anything that would have been painful, uncomfortable, or physically irritating before the injury may cause autonomic dysreflexia after the injury.
Common causes are a full bladder, bladder infection, severe constipation, or pressure sore, Anything that would normally cause pain or discomfort below the level of the spinal cord injury can trigger dysreflexia.
The symptoms of AD are related to the types of responses that happen in the autonomic nervous system. Pounding headache, blurred vision and spots before the eyes result from the high blood pressure that occurs when blood vessels below the injury constrict. The body responds by dilating blood vessels above the injury, causing flushing of the skin, sweating, and occasionally goosebumps. Some people also report anxiety and nasal stuffiness.
| | Treatment |
Get to an emergency room if symptoms persist.
Treatment of AD is to remove the reason for it. Sitting up straight naturally decreases blood prsessure. Check the catheter for kinked tubing. Check for distended bowel.
The primary risk of AD is stroke. If AD is not treated, the body attempts to control blood pressure by decreasing the heart rate. This, combined with uncontrolled high blood pressure, can be fatal. It is vital to treat this condition as soon as possible.
Other causes include skin irritations, wounds, pressure sores, burns, broken bones, labor and delivery, ingrown toenails, appendicitis, and other medical complications.
In general, noxious stimuli (irritants, things which would ordinarily cause pain) to areas of body below the level of spinal injury.
The best way to prevent AD is for people with high SCIs to take good care of themselves. Monitor bladder output, maintain a regular bowel program, do regular skin checks to prevent pressure sores from occurring.
| | Since all physicians are not familiar with autonomic dysreflexia (hyperreflexia) and its treatment, you should carry a card in your wallet that describes the condition and the treatment required. Contact Spinal Injuries Ireland to request a card. | | | | |
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