Autonomic Dysreflexia (AD), also known as hyperreflexia, results from the nervous system over-reacting to pain or discomfort. Patients with a spinal cord injury above level T7 are at risk for autonomic dysreflexia. AD can start quickly and is considered a medical emergency.
Show AllAD can be caused by something painful or uncomfortable. Common causes may include:
- Constipation or full bowel
- Over filling of the bladder
- Uncomfortable or tight fitting clothing
- Pressure on skin from braces, splints, or casts
- Menstrual cramping
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Symptoms of AD
- High blood pressure
- Pounding headache
- Goose bumps
- Sweating above the level of injury
- Stuffy nose
- Slow pulse or rapid pulse
- Blotching of the skin
- Restlessness
- Flushed face
- Red blotches on skin above the injury level
- A feeling like something is wrong
If symptoms continue, call 911 as this is a medical emergency. Without treatment, stroke or death can occur.
- Raising the head of bed to 90 degrees (lowers blood pressure)
- Stopping the bowel program if symptoms started during the program. You can restart the bowel program once the symptoms go away.
- Wearing clothing that is comfortable and fits correctly
- Loosening your binder, if wearing one
- Checking the skin regularly for pressure areas, especially under casts, splints, braces
- Applying a numbing ointment to affected area
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- Continue a regular bowel program
- Eat a well-balanced diet
- Drink plenty of fluids
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