Autonomic dysreflexia is a life-threatening condition. However, there are some simple precautions you can take to help avoid it and minimise the risks.
Autonomic dysreflexia can occur in some people with a spinal cord injury, with dire consequences, such as a stroke, seizure or cardiac arrest. This can happen when autonomic dysreflexia triggers cause your body to overreact to many different types of stimuli below your spinal cord injury. Your autonomic nervous system can produce a spike in your blood pressure, raising it to dangerous levels.
Autonomic dysreflexia prevention tips
· Check your catheter regularly: Inspect your catheter consistently to ensure that the bag is not overfull or that the tubes are not kinked. Also, check that your catheter is properly connected and functioning properly.
· Avoid bladder infections: It’s vital to try to avoid urinary tract infections (UTIs), which are common in catheter users. Keep your catheter clean, drink plenty of water and follow your doctor’s advice – such as diet changes –which may help you to avoid UTIs.
· Maintain your bladder routine: Stick to your regular schedule of bladder emptying and catheter maintenance. If you use an intermittent catheter, make sure you are emptying your bladder fully each time.
· Stick to your bowel routine: Stop your bowels from becoming too full with regular bathroom trips. If constipation is an ongoing issue, it can cause autonomic dysreflexia. Digital stimulation done too roughly can also be a cause. Consult your medical team on how to address these issues.
· Check your skin health consistently: Pressure sores (or pressure ulcers) can cause autonomic dysreflexia, as well as burns and other skin health issues. You and your carer should check all areas below the level of your spinal cord injury for any red spots or skin-related issues and seek medical help if necessary.
· Inspect for trauma regularly: Trauma that you may not be aware of can trigger autonomic dysreflexia. You and your carer should periodically check for cuts, scrapes, scratches, broken bones or fractures… essentially, any trauma below the level of your spinal cord injury.
· Wear loose-fitting clothing and shoes: Tights and constricting clothing or shoes can cause autonomic dysreflexia, so stick to looser items. Also, check for tight belts or braces that may be hindering blood flow. Finally, ensure that undergarments are not constricting your genitalia in any way.
Other steps you can take to prevent autonomic dysreflexia
Your carer must be as informed as you are about autonomic dysreflexia – especially in terms of the warning signs that you may be experiencing this serious medical condition. It would be best if you also discussed this condition with family members and anybody else within your inner circle that cares for you.
If you do experience autonomic dysreflexia, keep a diary of symptoms, causes and what you, your carer or a doctor did to resolve it. If you have recurring episodes, this diary may be helpful to your medical team.
Finally, always keep a wallet card with vital information on autonomic dysreflexia with you. You can download and print an AD wallet card online, courtesy of the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation.
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