AUTONOMIC DYSREFLEXIA

Remember, when something is occurring in the body which would cause pain if we had normal sensation, our autonomic nervous system is disrupted. Autonomic Dysreflexia (AD) is a potentially life-threatening medical emergency.

When AD is triggered, sit up or raise the head to 90 degrees and lower your legs if possible. Then you need to fix the underlying issue.

Autonomic Dysreflexia requires quick and correct action or there may be serious consequences such as a stroke.

If you are experiencing symptoms like a sudden pounding headache, sweating of the face neck and shoulders, rapid heartbeat, and feelings of panic, start by looking for your most common causes. These include a blocked catheter hose, constipation, and tight clothing.

"I have dealt with A.D. many times through the years. Usually, it is triggered by a clogged catheter, impacted bowel, or by sitting too long in my wheelchair on a red pressure point. Depending on the severity of the problem, my A.D. symptoms range from clammy sweats, accelerated heart rate, and piercing headache. So far, I've always managed to make it stop by alleviating whatever is causing the problem." Tiffany, C5-6

"A.D is scary. It can feel like a panic attack! The first time it happened my catheter was clogged. I had an unbearable headache and felt disoriented. I also get goosebumps and my face gets really flushed any time I get AD. Once it was so bad I got so light-headed I fainted. We had found the problem but couldn't correct it quickly enough. Don't let constipation become an AD emergency!" Sandy, C3-4

You can download and print a card to carry from the Christopher & Dana Reeves Foundation. Because the symptoms look so much like panic, they can be misdiagnosed in an emergency room. Ask for your vitals to be taken while you feel the symptoms most severe. A.D can come in waves.

 

Some quadriplegics use nitro paste to bring blood pressure down when systolic blood pressure continues to be at or above 150 mmHg.