Autonomic dysreflexia is a syndrome characterized by severe hypertension, headache, sweating that is seen spinal cord injury population. It can be a life-threatening problem if not promptly recognized and treated. Since the most common cause is
bladder
distension, it is essential that the urologist should be familiar with this syndrome.
Two hundred ninety four patients with spinal cord injury were reviewed for the prevalence rate and clinical manifestations of autonomic dysreflexia. The time of onset post-injury, precipitating causes, presenting symptoms and management were
analyzed.
42 patients(34.4%) of 122 patients with lesion above T6 level exhibited autonomic dysreflexia. The majority of patients(61.9%) had manifested signs and symptoms of autonomic dysreflexia within the first year. The precipitating causes were bladder
distension (69.0%), bowel distension (23.8%) and urinary tract infection (7.1%). The presenting symptoms of autonomic dysreflexia were headache (88.1%), sweating (88.1%), hot flushing (28.6%), chest discomport, hyperpnea and spasm. The management
of
autonomic dysreflexia include prompt bladder empting, bed rest and appropriate bowel preparation.
In conclusion, prompt recognition and appropriate management of autonomic dysreflexia are essential to prevent life-threatening sequelad.
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