Sami Ullah, MD
A medical condition called autonomic dysreflexia (AD) can happen to people who have had a spinal cord injury, especially if the injury is above the T6 level. It is marked by a quick rise in blood pressure that could be dangerous and needs to be treated right away. Here are some useful tips that will help you spot and deal with AD in your daily life:
Recognize the Signs: It is important for your safety that you know the signs of AD. A severe headache, a flushed face, sweating above the level of your injury, goosebumps, and worry are all common signs. By recognizing these signs, you can act right away to stop the event.
Find Your Triggers: irritants that are below the level of your injury can often set off your AD. Common causes include bladder problems like an enlarged bladder or a catheter that gets stuck/kinked, impacted bowel movements, clothes that are too tight, or skin irritations. Keeping an eye on and dealing with these potential causes on a regular basis can help you avoid episodes.
Quick Action: If you think you or someone has AD, you need to move right away. Sit up straight and take off any clothes or gadgets that are making it hard for you to move. This will help lower your blood pressure. If you know what is causing it, make sure your catheter isn’t plugged and, if necessary, go to the bathroom and empty your bladder and bowels.
Checking Often: If you are showing signs of AD, keep a blood pressure monitor at home and check your numbers often, especially if you are showing signs of AD. Knowing what your blood pressure was at rest can help you tell when it is too high.
Medical Alert: You might want to wear a tag that lets people know you have a spinal cord injury and are at risk for AD. In an emergency, this knowledge could be important for first responders.
Educate Family and Caregivers: Make sure that the people around you, like family and caregivers, know how to spot and deal with AD. This means being aware of the signs, triggers, and the right things to do.
Check out Who is your healthcare provider? Work with your healthcare expert to make a personalized plan for how to handle your AD. This could include using drugs to keep blood pressure under control if the episodes are regular or severe.
Know What’s Going On: Know what is going on with AD and spinal cord injuries. It is helpful to talk to people who have been through the same thing as you in support groups and online sites.
You can control your autonomic dysreflexia better and make it less of a problem in your life if you do these simple things. You can make your life easier and keep yourself safe by knowing what will happen and being ready for it.
