Autonomic dysreflexia
Autonomic Dysreflexia
Autonomic dysreflexia (pronunciation: aw-toh-NOM-ik dis-re-FLEK-see-uh) is a potentially life-threatening medical condition that affects individuals with spinal cord injuries at the T6 level or above.
Etymology
The term "autonomic" refers to the autonomic nervous system, which controls many of the body's functions, including heart rate, digestion, respiratory rate, and pupillary response. "Dysreflexia" comes from the Greek words "dys," meaning difficult or faulty, and "reflexia," referring to an involuntary nervous system response.
Symptoms
Symptoms of autonomic dysreflexia can include high blood pressure, pounding headache, flushed face, sweating above the level of the spinal injury, and a slow pulse.
Causes
The condition is often triggered by an irritation, pain, or stimulus below the level of the spinal cord injury. Common triggers can include a full bladder, urinary tract infection, constipation, pressure sores, or even tight clothing.
Treatment
Treatment for autonomic dysreflexia usually involves addressing the cause of the condition. This may involve emptying the bladder, relieving constipation, or removing tight clothing. In some cases, medication may be required to lower blood pressure.
Related Terms
- Spinal Cord Injury
- Autonomic Nervous System
- Hypertension
- Urinary Tract Infection
- Constipation
- Pressure Sores
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Autonomic dysreflexia
- Wikipedia's article - Autonomic dysreflexia
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