Autonomic dysreflexia is a condition that occurs most commonly in individuals with a spinal cord injury, particularly those with injuries at or above the T6 level. It is characterized by an overactive autonomic nervous system response to stimuli, such as a full bladder or bowel, that normally would not provoke such a strong reaction in individuals without such injuries.
The hallmark feature of autonomic dysreflexia is a sudden marked rise in blood pressure, which occurs due to the uninhibited sympathetic nervous system response below the level of injury, while the parasympathetic nervous system fails to counteract this response effectively above the level of injury. This extreme increase in blood pressure can lead to serious complications, including potential strokes, if not addressed promptly.
The condition is often accompanied by other symptoms, such as a pounding headache, flushing of the skin above the injury, sweating, and bradycardia (although the bradycardia response is less pronounced compared to the drastic increase in blood pressure).
Understanding the implications of autonomic dysreflexia is crucial for healthcare providers, especially in critical care settings, where timely recognition and intervention are necessary to prevent severe outcomes. Prompt treatment typically involves removing the offending stimulus, such as relieving a distended bladder or impacted bowel.