Abstract
Autonomic dysreflexia is a serious complication found in more than half of patients with spinal cord injury above the T6 level. In case of an autonomic system disorder, a trigger below the level of injury causes severe vasoconstriction with paroxysmal hypertension.
Presenting symptoms include bradycardia, pounding headache, sweating and flushing above the level of lesion, and anxiety. However', AD can sometimes occur without symptoms.
The causes of AD include bladder and bowel distension, urological surgeries as well as burning, pressure sores and fractures. Uncontrolled hypertension can lead to hemorrhagic stroke, retinal hemorrhage, respiratory or cardiac problems and even death.
Management involves placing the patient in an upright position to take advantage of orthostatic reduction in blood pressure. As the first line of treatment, the cause of irritation has to immediately be eliminated; this usually leads to blood pressure stabilization.
If hypertension continues, rapid onset antihypertensive drugs should be used.