section name header

Overview

Topic Editor: Robert Giles, MBBS, BPharm

Review Date: 11/11/2012


Definition

Autonomic Dysreflexia is an acute potentially life-threatening condition which commonly occurs in patients with spinal cord injuries above the major splanchnic outflow, at or above T6. It typically occurs following exposure to a noxious stimulus below the level of the spinal cord injury, which results in massive sympathetic outflow. As a result of this sympathetic outflow, a sudden elevation in blood pressure (BP) occurs.

Description

Epidemiology

Incidence/Prevalence

Age

Gender

Risk Factors

Etiology


History & Physical Findings

History

Physical findings on examination


Laboratory & Diagnostic Testing/Findings

Blood test findings

There are no specific tests for diagnostic evaluation of autonomic dysreflexia and diagnosis is primarily based on clinical suspicion and physical findings.

Radiographic findings


Differential Diagnosis

Treatment/Medications

General treatment items

Medications indicated with specific doses

Antihypertensives

Opioid analgesics

Dietary or Activity restrictions

Disposition

Admission Criteria

Discharge Criteria


Follow-up

Monitoring

Complications


Miscellaneous

Prevention

Prognosis

Pregnancy/Pediatric effects on condition

Synonyms/Abbreviations

Synonyms

ICD-9-CM

ICD-10-CM


References

  1. Blackmer J. Rehabilitation medicine: Autonomic dysreflexia. CMAJ. 2003;169(9):931-935. abstract
  2. Bycroft J, Shergill I, Choong E, et al. Autonomic dysreflexia: a medical emergency. Postgrad Med J. 2005; 81(954):232-235. abstract
  3. Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation. Autonomic Dysreflexia. http://www.christopherreeve.org/atf/cf/%7B173bca02-3665-49ab-9378-be009c58a5d3%7D/AUTONOMIC%20DYSREFLEXIA%205-10.PDF. Last accessed September 20, 2012.
  4. Apparelyzed: Spinal Cord Injury Peer Support. Complications of the Bowel Following a Spinal Cord Injury. http://www.apparelyzed.com/bowel-complications.html. Last accessed September 20, 2012.
  5. The National Spinal Cord Injury Association [NSCIA]. Autonomic Dysreflexia. http://www.spinalcord.org/resource-center/askus/index.php?pg=kb.page&id=1395 Last accessed September 20, 2012.
  6. Kursh ED, Freehafer A, Persky L. Complications of autonomic dysreflexia. J Urol. 1977;118(1 Pt 1):70-72. abstract
  7. Calder KB, Estores IM, Krassioukov A. Autonomic dysreflexia and associated acute neurogenic pulmonary edema in a patient with spinal cord injury: a case report and review of the literature. Spinal Cord. 2009;47(5):423-425. abstract
  8. Owen MD, Stiles MM, Opper SE, et al. Autonomic hyperreflexia in a pregnant paraplegic patient. Case report. Reg Anesth. 19(6):415-417. abstract
  9. McGregor JA, Meeuwsen J. Autonomic hyperreflexia: a mortal danger for spinal cord-damaged women in labor. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1985;151(3):330-333. abstract
  10. Milligan J, Lee J, McMillan C, et al. Autonomic dysreflexia: Recognizing a common serious condition in patients with spinal cord injury. Can Fam Physician. 2012;58(8):831-835.
  11. Consortium for Spinal Cord Medicine. Acute management of autonomic dysreflexia: individuals with spinal cord injury presenting to health-care facilities. J Spinal Cord Med. 2002;25 Suppl 1:S67-88.
  12. Pine ZM, Miller SD, Alonso JA. Atrial fibrillation associated with autonomic dysreflexia. Am J Phys Med Rehabil. 1991;70(5):271-273. abstract
  13. Yarkony GM, Katz RT, Wu YC. Seizures secondary to autonomic dysreflexia. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 1986;67(11):834-835. abstract
  14. Barbaric ZL. Autonomic dysreflexia in patients with spinal cord lesions: complication of voiding cystourethrography and ileal loopography. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 1976;127(2):293-295. abstract
  15. Pan SL, Wang YH, Lin HL, et al. Intracerebral hemorrhage secondary to autonomic dysreflexia in a young person with incomplete C8 tetraplegia: A case report. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2005;86(3):591-593. abstract
  16. Perkash I. Detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia and dyssynergic responses: recognition and rationale for early modified transurethral sphincterotomy in complete spinal cord injury lesions. J Urol. 1978;120(4):469-474. abstract
  17. Braddom RL, Rocco JF. Autonomic dysreflexia. A survey of current treatment. Am J Phys Med Rehabil. 1991;70(5):234-241. abstract
  18. Hickey KJ, Vogel LC, Willis KM, et al. Prevalence and etiology of autonomic dysreflexia in children with spinal cord injuries. J Spinal Cord Med. 2004;27 Suppl 1:S54-60. abstract