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Autonomic Dysreflexia

For More Information contact: Jerry Ryan

Autonomic Dysreflexia, also known as hyper-reflexia, is a life threatening situation. The condition arises when there is a problem that the body is unaware of due to loss of sensation. The brain receives a warning signal but is unable to translate the message into a responsive action because of paralysis. This results in a reaction of the autonomic nervous system causing blood pressure to rise rapidly. If uncorrected, this could lead to a stroke or even death. If you exhibit any signs or symptoms of autonomic dysreflexia, it is imperative that you find the problem and correct it as quickly as possible.

The primary cause of autonomic dysreflexia is a distended bladder. Catheterization will relieve the problem. A full bowel is the second most common cause and can be corrected by administering a bowel program. Skin irritations, such as wrinkles in clothing or sitting too close to a fire or heater can also set off dysreflexia.

The symptoms of autonomic dysreflexia include:

Severe, pounding headache
High blood pressure
Heavy sweating above the injury level
Red blotches on the skin
Chest pain or slow heart rate
Loss of color in face or lips
Faintness or dizziness

If you have any of these symptoms, alone or in combination, check you blood pressure immediately. If it is 150/100, call your doctor. If it is 180/120 or higher, get to an emergency room right away. Be sure to inform the staff thoroughly on the autonomic dysreflexia and its causes because it is not a typical situation encountered by ER workers. Do not let them begin an IV and pump more fluid into an overloaded system. Begin with draining the bladder and if the blood pressure returns to its normal range, you are out of danger. If not, check for bowel malfunction or skin pressure areas. Remember that any irritant or stimulant may cause dysreflexia. Keep looking until the cause of the problem is found and corrected.

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