Clinical & Experimental Cardiology
Open Access

Abstract

Autonomic Dysreflexia: A Case Series

Naderi Z, Abdullah A, Taha M, Masding A, Mehmood Z

Autonomic Dysreflexia (AD) is a clinical emergency occurring as a result of an uncontrolled sympathetic response to systemic precipitants, causing an abrupt rise in systemic blood pressure. It occurs in 20% 70% of individuals with spinal cord injuries at or above the level of T6. Early recognition and treatment is required to prevent hypertensive emergency and end organ damage characterised by acute coronary syndromes, pulmonary oedema, aortic dissection, acute kidney injury, hypertensive encephalopathy and cerebral infarction and haemorrhage, as well as death. AD is a condition that many physicians, surgeons and healthcare practitioners do not come across very often, thus further education as a means of enhancing awareness and a multidisciplinary approach are two key factors in its prevention and treatment. In this case series we aim to describe how to recognise at-risk patients, initiate preventative measures and administer pharmacological treatments in the management of patients with AD within a multi-disciplinary setting.

Published Date: 2020-09-30; Received Date: 2020-08-03