What is the autonomic dysreflexia?

Autonomic dysreflexia is a syndrome in which there is a sudden onset of excessively high blood pressure. It is more common in people with spinal cord injuries that involve the thoracic nerves of the spine or above (T6 or above).

What is the most common trigger of autonomic dysreflexia?

The most common cause of autonomic dysreflexia (AD) is spinal cord injury. The nervous system of people with AD over-responds to the types of stimulation that do not bother healthy people.

What is autonomic dysreflexia symptoms?

Symptoms include:

• A pounding headache.
• A flushed face and/or red blotches on the skin above the level of spinal injury.
• Sweating above the level of spinal injury.
• Nasal stuffiness.
• Nausea.
• A slow heart rate (bradycardia).
• Goose bumps below the level of spinal injury.
• Cold, clammy skin below the level of spinal injury.

Which of the following is a cause of autonomic dysreflexia?

Autonomic dysreflexia is caused by an irritant below the level of injury, including: Bladder: irritation of the bladder wall, urinary tract infection, blocked catheter or overfilled collection bag. Bowel: distended or irritated bowel, constipation or impaction, hemorrhoids or anal infections.

How do you prevent autonomic dysreflexia?

Autonomic Dysreflexia Prevention

1. Use the bathroom on a regular schedule. Keep your bladder and bowels from becoming too full.
2. Know the signs of a bladder infection.
3. Take care not to get skin sores or ingrown toenails.
4. Carry a card for emergencies to let people know you might have autonomic dysreflexia.

How common is autonomic dysreflexia?

Autonomic dysreflexia develops in 20% to 70% of patients with spinal cord injury above the T6 level and is unlikely to develop if the injury is below T10.

What type of doctor treats autonomic dysreflexia?

Physicians specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation are well-acquainted with the diagnosis and management of autonomic dysreflexia and can be of assistance in both acute management and prevention strategies of this syndrome.

What is the etiology of autonomic dysreflexia?

The etiology is a spinal cord injury, usually above the T6 level. It is unlikely to occur if the level is below T10. The higher the injury level, the greater the severity of the cardiovascular dysfunction. The severity and frequency of autonomic dysreflexia episodes are also associated with the completeness of the spinal cord injury.

How big should a child be to have autonomic dysreflexia?

15mm above baseline in children, and 15mm to 20mm above baseline in adolescents may be a sign of autonomic dysreflexia . Most importantly, locate and remove the offending stimulus, if possible.

What should blood pressure reading be for Autonomic dysreflexia?

A blood pressure reading of 20mm to 40mm Hg above baseline in adults may be a sign of autonomic dysreflexia. 15mm above baseline in children, and 15mm to 20mm above baseline in adolescents may be a sign of autonomic dysreflexia . Most importantly, locate and remove the offending stimulus, if possible.

When does the autonomic nervous system overreact?

This happens when your autonomic nervous system — which controls things like breathing and digestion that you do without thinking — overreacts to something below the damaged spinal cord. It’s sometimes called hyperreflexia.