About this topic
Autonomic dysreflexia is also known as AD. Some people may also call it autonomic hyperreflexia. AD most often happens in people who have had a spinal cord injury. It is a condition where your nerves react too much to some kind of stimulation. AD is a serious problem where you may have a very fast heart beat or very high blood pressure, along with other signs. ‚
In most cases, your autonomic nervous system controls things you dont have to think about, like breathing, heartbeat, and blood pressure. Things like knowing you have a full bladder or need to have a bowel movement are also controlled by your autonomic nervous system. Your body works to stay in balance and keep these things working the right way. ‚
With AD, the signals from your nerves to your brain are interrupted. You may not feel the need to pass urine or have a bowel movement. You may have a urinary catheter in or your bowel routine has not been followed closely. Then, your body does not know what needs to be done to keep things in balance. AD is a serious condition and is a health emergency. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you understand everything the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Ask your doctor how often you need to check your blood pressure.
- Learn what things cause changes in your blood pressure and work to avoid them.
- Follow your bowel and bladder management programs.
- Learn how to care for your catheter if you have one. Be sure it does not kink.
- Check your skin each day.
- Avoid very hot and very cold temperatures.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
If your signs do not go away quickly, your doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Lower your blood pressure
- Control your heart rate
- Prevent hard stools
Will physical activity be limited?
- Talk to your doctor about when it is safe to have sex.
- Talk with your doctor about what kind of activity is right for you.
What changes to diet are needed?
- Eat whole grain foods and foods high in fiber.
- Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water each day.
What problems could happen?
- Seizures
- Stroke
- Heart attack
- Death
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
If you have a spinal cord injury, take extra care to: ‚
- Keep your bladder from getting too full.
- Keep good bowel habits.
- Keep your skin from getting pressure sores or ingrown nails.
- Wear loose clothing.
- Avoid sunburns.
- Avoid being too hot or too cold.
When do I need to call the doctor?
Activate the emergency medical system right away if you have signs of a heart attack or stroke. Call 911 in the United States or Canada. The sooner treatment begins, the better your chances for recovery. Call for emergency help right away if you have: ‚
- Signs of heart attack:
- Chest pain
- Trouble breathing
- Fast heartbeat
- Feeling dizzy
- Signs of stroke:
- Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body
- Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause
Call your doctor if you have: ‚
- Signs of high blood pressure like very bad headaches, nervousness, problems breathing, or nosebleeds.
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, pain with passing urine, wound that will not heal.
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you how to manage my bladder and bowels.
- I can tell you what I would do if I had signs of a heart attack or stroke.
Where can I learn more?
Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation ‚
http://www.christopherreeve.org/site/c.mtKZKgMWKwG/b.4453413/k.5E2A/Autonomic_Dysreflexia.htm ‚
Last Reviewed Date
2015-09-22 ‚
List_set bdysylist
- Neuromuscular and Skeletal
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care provider 's advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2016 Wolters Kluwer Clinical Drug Information, Inc. and its affiliates and/or licensors. All rights reserved. ‚