OTHER COMPLICATIONS OF SPINAL CORD INJURY: AUTONOMIC DYSREFLEXIA (HYPERREFLEXIA): SYMPTOMS AND CAUSES

Symptoms and Causes

• Pounding headache (caused by the elevation in blood pressure)
• Goose Pimples
• Sweating above the level of injury
• Nasal Congestion
• Slow Pulse
• Blotching of the Skin
• Restlessness

     There can be many stimuli that cause autonomic dysreflexia. Anything that would have been painful, uncomfortable, or physically irritating before the injury may cause autonomic dysreflexia after the injury.

     The most common cause seems to be overfilling of the bladder. This could be due to a blockage in the urinary drainage device, bladder infection (cystitis), inadequate bladder emptying, bladder spasms, or possibly stones in the bladder. The second most common cause is a bowel that is full of stool or gas. Any stimulus to the rectum, such as digital stimulation, can trigger a reaction, leading to autonomic dysreflexia.

     Other causes include skin irritations, wounds, pressure sores, burns, broken bones, pregnancy, ingrown toenails, appendicitis, and other medical complications.

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