neurologic disorders
Spinal Cord Autonomic Dysreflexia
Key Points
Autonomic dysreflexia occurs after a spinal cord injury and can result in life-threatening hypertension. Symptoms include headache, nausea and vomiting, problems with vision, nasal congestion, and feelings of anxiety and doom, with profuse sweating, flushing, and piloerection above the level of spinal cord injury and vasoconstriction with dry, pale skin below the level of injury. Suspect autonomic dysreflexia in patients with a spinal cord injury above the level of T6, severe hypertension, and increased sympathetic activity, especially if provoked by distention of a hollow viscus (often caused by a blocked bladder catheter). Correct the cause if possible, and treat severe hypertension with rapid-acting medications. 