Autonomic dysreflexia following spinal cord injury

Abstract

Autonomic dysreflexia (AD) is one of the most common, yet most life-threatening, complication to occur following a spinal cord injury (SCI), at or above thoracic level six (T6). The main symptom of AD is a sudden and severe rise in blood pressure, which could cause death if untreated. Healthcare providers should be informed and familiar with the diagnosis and treatment of AD. It is important to note that most SCI patients, once discharged from rehabilitation hospitals, are managed at their own homes or a community rehabilitation setting, such as care, residential or nursing homes. Often, owing to the rapid onset and severity of the symptoms of AD, people with a SCI who develop AD are often admitted to the nearest local health facility, which may be staffed by healthcare professionals who have little or no knowledge or experience in managing AD. This article will offer very clear information regarding the causes, pathophysiology, symptoms and management of AD.