Autonomic Dysreflexia Symptoms: Understanding the Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Autonomic dysreflexia is a medical condition that usually occurs in people who have suffered a spinal cord injury. It can be a life-threatening condition, causing sudden increases in blood pressure and putting strain on the heart, therefore it is important to understand what the symptoms are and how to treat them. In this article, we will be discussing the causes, symptoms and treatment of autonomic dysreflexia.
What is Autonomic Dysreflexia?
Autonomic dysreflexia, also known as autonomic hyperreflexia, is a condition that causes an over-activity of the autonomic nervous system. This usually occurs in people who have sustained a spinal cord injury at or above the level of T6. When an injury damages the spinal cord, the body’s natural response is to send messages to the brain. When this happens, the signals are disrupted, which can cause the body to experience various symptoms.
Causes of Autonomic Dysreflexia
As mentioned earlier, autonomic dysreflexia usually occurs in people who have suffered a spinal cord injury at or above the level of T6. However, there are other causes that may lead to an episode of autonomic dysreflexia. Some of these include:
- Urinary tract infections
- Bowel impaction
- Skin irritations
- Ingrown toenails
- Pressure sores
- Menstrual cramps or other abdominal discomforts
Symptoms of Autonomic Dysreflexia
The symptoms of autonomic dysreflexia can be sudden and severe. They can include:
- Headaches
- High blood pressure
- Goosebumps
- Skin flushing
- Chest tightness
- Nausea
- Sweating
- Blurred vision
- Dizziness
- Feeling of discomfort
If left untreated, these symptoms can lead to complications such as seizures, strokes, and heart failure.
Treatment of Autonomic Dysreflexia
If an episode of autonomic dysreflexia occurs, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. To help prevent an episode, individuals who have suffered spinal cord injury should be aware of the triggers that can lead to an episode of autonomic dysreflexia. By identifying triggers, individuals can take proactive steps to avoid them. Common triggers include:
- Urinary tract infections
- Bowel impactions
- Skin irritations
- Pressure sores
- Tight clothing
- Extreme temperatures
If an episode occurs, the first step in treatment is to identify the cause of the symptoms. Once the cause is identified, the stimulus should be removed. In some cases, medication may be necessary to control blood pressure levels.
Preventing Autonomic Dysreflexia
There are several ways to prevent an episode of autonomic dysreflexia from occurring. Some of these include:
Daily self-checks
Individuals who have suffered a spinal cord injury should perform daily self-checks to identify any signs or symptoms of autonomic dysreflexia. This can help to identify triggers early and prevent an episode from occurring.
Avoiding triggers
Identifying and avoiding triggers that can lead to an episode of autonomic dysreflexia is important. This can include watching for signs of urinary tract infections, maintaining good bowel habits, and avoiding tight clothing or extreme temperatures.
Medical care
Regular medical care is important for individuals who have suffered a spinal cord injury. Regular checkups can help to identify any potential triggers and prevent an episode from occurring.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, autonomic dysreflexia can be a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury, it is important to be aware of the symptoms and triggers of autonomic dysreflexia. By identifying triggers and taking measures to prevent episodes, individuals can help to avoid complications and improve their quality of life.
FAQs
What is autonomic dysreflexia?
Autonomic dysreflexia is a condition that causes an over-activity of the autonomic nervous system. This usually occurs in people who have suffered a spinal cord injury at or above the level of T6.
What are the symptoms of autonomic dysreflexia?
The symptoms of autonomic dysreflexia can include high blood pressure, headaches, goosebumps, skin flushing, chest tightness, nausea, sweating, blurred vision, dizziness, and feeling of discomfort.
What are the causes of autonomic dysreflexia?
Autonomic dysreflexia is usually caused by a spinal cord injury, but other triggers can include urinary tract infections, bowel impactions, skin irritations, pressure sores, ingrown toenails, and menstrual cramps.
How is autonomic dysreflexia treated?
If an episode of autonomic dysreflexia occurs, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. To help prevent an episode, individuals who have suffered spinal cord injury should be aware of the triggers that can lead to an episode of autonomic dysreflexia. Medications may be necessary to control blood pressure levels.