ABSTRACT
Autonomic dysreflexia (AD) is a complication commonly found in patients with spinal cord injury at T6 or above. AD is the result of an uncontrolled sympathetic response secondary to a noxious stimulus. In consequence, this phenomenon is a medical emergency that can result in severe complications and can even be life threatening. Recognition of signs and symptoms of AD at presentation is key to immediate and appropriate treatment of this urgent and life-threatening condition. Late recognition or inappropriate management can result in severe hypertension and complications such as cerebral or subarachnoid hemorrhage, seizures, arrhythmia, coma, and even death. Antihypertensive drugs with rapid onset and short duration of action should be used in the management of AD acute episodes. The Consortium for Spinal Cord Medicine recommends that if nonpharmacological measures fail and arterial blood pressure is 150 mmHg or greater then pharmacological management should be initiated.
