Autonomic Dysreflexia Signs/Symptoms and Treatment

 Watch for Autonomic Dysreflexia (AD)

      This is a medical emergency! Act fast! 

What to Look For (Signs & Symptoms): 

• Hypertension (higher than the individual’s baseline)

• Bradycardia or tachycardia

• Tachypnea

• Red or flushed face

• Sweating above the level of injury

• Severe headaches

• Goosebumps (piloerection) 

 What Can Cause It: 

• Evoked by noxious and non-noxious stimuli, like:

  • A full bladder or bowel

  • Skin problems (tight clothing, pressure sores)

• Most common in people with spinal cord injuries at T6 or higher 

Why It’s Serious:

If not treated quickly, it can lead to: 

• Hypertensive urgency/emergency with –  

  • Seizures 

  • Stroke

  • Fluid in the lungs

  • Kidney problems

  • Heart attack

  • Death  

What to Do (Treatment Steps): 

1. Notify attending physician

2. Identify causative factor:

   • First, check the bladder and check the Foley function! 

   • Scan the bladder and prepare for a straight catheter 

3. Provide urgent treatment for persistent hypertension and are unable to find the cause – 

   • Treat with quick-onset and short-acting medication