Autonomic Dysreflexia (AD): A serious, rather underestimated condition, a review based on Workshop 11, held on ICS Vienna 2022

Abstract

Autonomic Dysreflexia (AD) is a common complication among patients with a Spinal Cord Lesion (SCL) located above the T6 level. Various stimuli below the spinal cord lesion may initiate the onset of AD. In most cases, the phenomenon subsides after the removal of the initial stimuli but sometimes is rapidly reactivated and progressively overexpressed causing uncontrolled blood hypertension with the severe danger of stroke or other cardiovascular accidents (CVAs).The establishment of adequate awareness among the health care providers and individuals with SCL is our main goal which may occur through a deep understanding of the pathophysiology of AD. The proper prevention and management of the syndrome are essential for our patient’s life.

Keywords

• Autonomic Dysreflexia (AD)
• Spinal Cord Lesion (SCL)
• Blood pressure