Autonomic Hyperreflexia

Autonomic hyperreflexia, also called autonomic dysreflexia, is an exaggerated response of the autonomic nervous system that appears mostly in people with spinal cord injuries above a certain level. It is considered a situation that warrants prompt attention.

How it presents: it usually includes a sudden rise in blood pressure, severe headache, sweating or flushing above the level of the injury, and slowing of the pulse.

What triggers it: it is frequently related to stimuli below the injury, such as distension of the bladder or bowel, among others.

The management and evaluation of the cardiovascular aspects involve the cardiologist, and in cases with vessel involvement the vascular surgeon or the cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon may take part. Given episodes of this kind in someone with a spinal cord injury, the prudent course is to seek professional guidance without delay.