What are the signs and symptoms of autonomic dysreflexia?

Author: SCIRE Community Team | Reviewer: Andrei Krassioukov and Janice Eng | Published: 12 October 2017 | Updated: ~

Illustration accompanying What are the signs and symptoms of autonomic dysreflexia?

Autonomic dysreflexia involves a sudden rise in blood pressure of 20 to 30 mmHg above your normal systolic blood pressure. Since the normal blood pressure of people with SCI is often 20 to 30 mmHg lower than in those without SCI, blood pressure can be in a range that is commonly  considered ‘normal’ or ‘slightly elevated’ and still be high for that person.

This rise in blood pressure is usually accompanied by symptoms. Symptoms will be different for everyone and can range from some mild discomfort to life threatening and severe.

Signs and symptoms of autonomic dysreflexia

  • A sudden rise in systolic blood pressure (20 to 30 mmHg above normal)
  • Changes in heart rate, usually a slow heart rate which sometimes becomes rapid
  • A pounding or throbbing headache
  • Sweating, flushing, or blotching of the skin above the SCI
  • Goosebumps or hair standing on end above the SCI
  • Dry and pale skin below the SCI
  • Worsening of muscle spasms
  • A metallic taste in the mouth
  • Feeling anxious or a feeling of ‘impending doom’
  • A stuffy or runny nose
  • Blurred vision or seeing spots
  • Nausea
  • Difficulty breathing