AD is caused by an irritant below the level of injury, usually related (but not limited) to bladder or bowel function The most common cause(in 80% of cases)is over-distension of the BLADDER: This may be due to a blocked urinary catheter or kinked tubing. This is easily rectified by repositioning the tubing or changing the catheter promptly, using a lidocaine …
Signs and symptoms
The key signs of Autonomic Dysreflexia may includeone or more of the following: High blood pressure (Hypertension) Slow heart rate (Bradycardia) Pounding frontal headache Blotching of skin, flushing, sweating above level of injury Nasal congestion Anxiety Blurred vision Chills without fever Cardiac arrhythmia (Irregular heartbeat) Raised hairs and goose pimplesbelow level of injury
How can I prevent it?
Who can be affected by AD? AD can occur in patients with spinal cord injury at or above the sixth thoracic vertebra (T6). It is more likely to occur in patients with complete injuries, but incomplete injured patients can also be at risk. The condition is triggered by a painful stimulus below the level of the injury, which causes severe, …
Summary
AD needs to be treated urgently because it can be fatal. It is important to find and treat the cause as soon as possible. Click image for larger view Common causes of Autonomic Dysreflexia (AD) blocked catheter/over full bladder constipation a broken bone ingrowing toenail pressure ulcer erection/ejaculation/emission menstrual problems/gynae problems pregnancy/labour Treatment of Autonomic Dysreflexia (AD)First things to …
What is AD?
Autonomic Dysreflexia (AD) is a sudden and dangerous rise in blood pressure triggered by an exaggerated response to painful stimuli, below the level of spinal cord damage If AD is not treated or the cause remains unresolved, then it could be fatal AD can happen any time from the start of spinal paralysis. It happens in both complete and incomplete …
What to do if AD is suspected
Autonomic dysreflexia (AD) is a potentially life-threatening medical emergency: AD can occur in patients with spinal cord injury at or above the 6th thoracic vertebra (T6). It is more likely to occur in patients with complete injuries, but incomplete injured patients can also be at risk. The condition is triggered by a painful stimulus below the level of the injury …
FAQs about AD
This section contains some frequently asked questions about AD To see the answers, click on the + next to each question: Last updated: May 2020 I have a headache and my sight is blurring – what should I do? These are symptoms of Autonomic Dysreflexia and you need to identify the cause immediately. If you can’t find the cause, …
