Reduction in Bladder-Related Autonomic Dysreflexia after OnabotulinumtoxinA Treatment in Spinal Cord Injury

Autonomic dysreflexia (AD) is a medical emergency in spinal cord injury (SCI) patients, characterized by elevated blood pressure due to noxious stimuli. The bladder is often the source, due to overactivity. This study examines if Botox injections into the bladder can reduce AD events. The study involved individuals with SCI at or above T6, who received Botox injections into their bladder muscles. Blood pressure was monitored before and after treatment to assess the impact on AD severity and frequency during bladder-related activities. The results showed that Botox injections reduced the severity and frequency of AD events related to bladder function, and also improved the participants' quality of life. This suggests Botox as a viable treatment option for managing bladder-related AD in SCI patients.

• 1
  Autonomic dysreflexia severity was reduced during urodynamics post-Botox, with a significant decrease in systolic blood pressure increase compared to pre-Botox levels.
• 2
  The frequency of bladder-related autonomic dysreflexia events over a 24-hour period was significantly decreased after onabotulinumtoxinA treatment.
• 3
  Quality of life indices related to autonomic dysreflexia and incontinence were significantly improved following onabotulinumtoxinA treatment.