Autonomic Dysreflexia following Spinal Cord Injury

Autonomic dysreflexia (AD) is a dangerous condition that can occur after a spinal cord injury at or above the T6 level. It involves a sudden and uncontrolled increase in blood pressure. This rise in blood pressure can be triggered by various stimuli below the level of injury, leading to symptoms like severe headache, sweating, and vision changes. If not properly managed, AD can lead to serious complications such as stroke, heart failure, or pulmonary edema, highlighting the importance of understanding and promptly addressing this condition.

• 1
  AD is triggered by afferent sensory stimulation leading to unmodulated reflex sympathetic hyperactivity, resulting in a sudden increase in blood pressure.
• 2
  Episodes of high blood pressure associated with AD can lead to severe complications such as cerebral or retinal hemorrhage, seizures, heart failure, or pulmonary edema.
• 3
  Management strategies involve prevention, treatment, and managing symptoms, with a focus on identifying and removing triggering factors and controlling blood pressure.