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Rehabilitation medicine: 1. Autonomic dysreflexia

From the Division of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Ottawa, and The Rehabilitation Centre, Ottawa, Ont.

Series editors: Mohan Radhakrishna and Lalith Satkunam

Correspondence to: Dr. Jeff Blackmer, The Rehabilitation Centre, 505 Smyth Rd., Ottawa ON K1H 8M2; fax 613 737-9638; jblackmer{at}ottawahospital.on.ca

Abstract

AUTONOMIC DYSREFLEXIA IS AN ACUTE SYNDROME OF EXCESSIVE, UNCONTROLLED SYMPATHETIC OUTPUT that can occur in patients who have had an injury to the spinal cord (generally at or above the sixth thoracic neurologic level). It is caused by spinal reflex mechanisms that remain intact despite the patient's injury, leading to hypertension. This review describes the clinical features of autonomic dysreflexia, its common causes (most frequently stimulation of the lower urinary tract) and a recommended approach to treatment. The condition can nearly always be managed successfully, but prompt recognition is essential — without treatment there may be dire consequences, including death.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				J Bycroft, I S Shergill, E A L Choong, N Arya, and P J R Shah Autonomic dysreflexia: a medical emergency Postgrad. Med. J., April 1, 2005; 81(954): 232 - 235. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				H. A. Anton and A. Townson Drug therapy for autonomic dysreflexia Can. Med. Assoc. J., April 13, 2004; 170(8): 1210 - 1210. [Full Text] [PDF]

				J. Blackmer Drug therapy for autonomic dysreflexia Can. Med. Assoc. J., April 13, 2004; 170(8): 1210 - 1210. [Full Text] [PDF]

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