Introduction
Autonomic dysreflexia (AD) is a condition that occurs in people with spinal injuries. This condition causes irregular heartbeats, high blood pressure, changes in skin color, sweating and muscle spasms. This condition is usually triggered by something and gets better once that trigger is removed. AD is a medical emergency and must be treated quickly. Untreated AD can lead to a stroke, heart attack, or seizure.
What are the causes?
This condition is caused by an overactive autonomic nervous system. Any injury, irritation, or infection below the level of your spinal cord injury may then trigger AD. Triggers include:
Tight shoes or tight clothing
Cuts or bruises
Ingrown toenail
Burns
Skin pressure ulcers
Appendicitis
Constipation
Full bladder
Kidney stones
Gall stones
Full stomach
Urinary tract infection
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Raise your upper body or the head of your bed to 90 degrees.
Lower your legs
Loosen your clothing.
Carry a wallet card explaining the symptoms of and treatment for AD. You can get one from The National Spinal Cord Injury Association online.
Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.
How is this prevented?
To prevent AD:
Check if your urine is smelly or cloudy. These are signs of infection.
Do your best to have regular bowel movements. Ask your health care provider what to do if you are constipated.
Check your skin and feet for redness, swelling, cuts, scrapes, ulcers, or bruises.
Avoid any triggers as much as possible, including:
Illegal drugs.
Tight clothing and shoes.
Avoid burns from the sun or from very hot water.
Avoid an overfilled (distended) bladder if you have a bladder catheter.
Get help right away if:
Your blood pressure suddenly goes up
You have signs or symptoms of AD that do not go away after treatment at home
You have chest pain
You have trouble