Autonomic dysreflexia

This potentially life-threatening condition involves an abrupt blood-pressure rise after SCI. It is also known as autonomic hyperreflexia and reflects impaired regulation rather than ordinary hypertension.

Headache, sweating and other symptoms may accompany a rise above the person’s usual blood pressure. A reading considered normal for the general population may still be dangerously elevated for someone whose baseline is lower.

Untreated episodes can cause stroke, seizures, heart complications or death.

Bladder, bowel, skin or other stimulation below the injury can trigger episodes. A full bladder is an important trigger; discomfort need not be consciously felt.

Disrupted autonomic nerve pathways impair normal regulation of blood pressure.

An episode is a medical emergency. Follow your established emergency plan and obtain urgent medical help.

Knowing personal triggers and planning for procedures can help prevent episodes. Planning is particularly relevant before known provoking activities or healthcare procedures.