AD and returning to school
Enabling young people to return to school with Autonomic Dysreflexia may have some physical and emotional challenges.
- Every member of the school staff will be involved with the returning child.
- The whole school needs to have clear aims and mechanisms in place to help young people and their families/carers cope with Autonomic Dysreflexia.
What causes AD?
- overfull bladder, bladder infection or blocked catheter
- overfull bowel
- pressure sores
- ingrowing toenails
- pinched testicles, menstrual cramps, sexual activity or pregnancy
- burns and fractures
- extreme changes in temperature
- painful procedures
What are the signs and symptoms of AD?
- pounding headache
- red, sweaty or blotchy skin above the level of injury
- stuffy nose
- slow heartbeat
- cool, clammy skin with goosebumps
- feeling anxious
- tightness in chest
IMPORTANT NOTES
- Should an ambulance need to be called, administer Nifedipine as directed by the child’s Spinal Consultant
- Inform the Paramedics that this medication has been administered.
- Take the medical information about AD written by Dr Allison Graham from the National Spinal Injuries Centre with you to hospital.
- It can be printed out from this website, and includes detailed information for healthcare providers about how to treat this condition
