Healthy Living /Autonomic Dysreflexia

     

Autonomic Dysreflexia

Introduction

Autonomic dysreflexia can be a medical emergency, which may develop if you have a C-1 through a T-6 compllete spinal cord injury. Autonomic dysreflexia is a nerve reflex that causes the blood vessles to get smaller. This in turn results in a sudden increase in your blood pressure. If this abnormal reaction is not stopped quickly, you may have a heart attack or stroke and could die. The urgent need for treatment depends on the severity of the symptoms and your age.

Signs and Symptoms

It is extremly important to recognize the signs and symptoms of Autonomic dysreflexia. They include:

High blood pressure (hypertension)

Severe, pounding headache

Slow heart rate (bradycardia)

Flushing or red splotches of the skin above the level of injury

Blurred vision or appearance of spots in the visual fields

Goose bumps above the level of injury

Nasal stuffiness

Heavy sweating above the level of injury

Pale skin below the level of injury

Nausea

Feelings of anxiety

REMEMBER: Symptoms associated with Autonomic dysreflexia will almost always