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Autonomic Dysreflexia is a life-threatening condition that occurs in individuals with a spinal cord injury at or above the sixth thoracic vertebra. It is caused by a miscommunication of neural pathways in the autonomic nervous system, which can lead to elevated blood pressure, headaches, sweating, and even seizures.
1. What is Autonomic Dysreflexia?
Answer: Autonomic Dysreflexia is a life-threatening condition that occurs in individuals with a spinal cord injury at or above the sixth thoracic vertebra. It is caused by a miscommunication of neural pathways in the autonomic nervous system, which can lead to elevated blood pressure, headaches, sweating, and even seizures.
2. What are the symptoms of Autonomic Dysreflexia?
Answer: Symptoms of Autonomic Dysreflexia include elevated blood pressure, headaches, sweating, flushing, nausea, and/or anxiety. Severe episodes can cause seizures and even death.
3. What causes Autonomic Dysreflexia?
Answer: Autonomic Dysreflexia is caused by a miscommunication of neural pathways in the autonomic nervous system. It is most commonly seen in individuals with a spinal cord injury at or above the sixth thoracic vertebra.
4. Who is at risk for Autonomic Dysreflexia?
Answer: People with spinal cord injuries at or above the sixth thoracic vertebra are at the highest risk for Autonomic Dysreflexia.
5. How can Autonomic Dysreflexia be prevented?
Answer: Autonomic Dysreflexia can be prevented by recognizing and treating underlying triggers, such as bladder or bowel distention, skin irritation, and tight clothing. Keeping the skin clean and dry can also help to reduce the risk of Autonomic Dysreflexia.
6. What are the common triggers of Autonomic Dysreflexia?
Answer: Common triggers of Autonomic Dysreflexia include bladder or bowel distention, skin irritation, and tight clothing.
7. How is Autonomic Dysreflexia treated?
Answer: Treatment of Autonomic Dysreflexia includes identifying and removing the underlying trigger, elevating the head of the bed, and administering medications to lower blood pressure.
8. Can Autonomic Dysreflexia be fatal?
Answer: In severe cases, Autonomic Dysreflexia can be fatal, as it can cause seizures and even death.
9. Is Autonomic Dysreflexia painful?
Answer: Autonomic Dysreflexia can cause severe headaches, nausea, and anxiety, which can be painful.
10. Is Autonomic Dysreflexia curable?
Answer: Autonomic Dysreflexia is not curable, but it can be managed with proper identification and treatment of triggers.