autonomic dysreflexia

Question 1

presentation of autonomic dysreflexia

Answer 1

severe hypertension, bradycardia, pounding headache, flushing above the injury, pallor below the injury

Question 2

basic patho of autonomic dysreflexia

Answer 2

Trigger: Something irritating below the spinal cord injury (like a full bladder or constipation).

Nerve Signal Block: The signal can’t reach the brain because of the spinal injury (usually at or above T6).

Overactive Sympathetic Response: Because of the spinal injury, these sensory signals cannot ascend to the brain. Instead, they activate the sympathetic nervous and cause vasoconstriction

Brain’s Reaction: Detects high blood pressure and bradycardia and vasodilation above the injury

Unbalanced Effects: Blood pressure stays high below the injury, while above the injury you get flushing, headache, and brady