Autonomic dysreflexia (AD) and other autonomic dysfunctions are commonly seen after spinal cord injury (SCI). However, since SCI is relatively uncommon and the stigmata of AD and autonomic dysfunction are relatively unique to this population, few clinicians, except those who treat persons with SCI regularly, have encountered these conditions. As a result, it is thought that AD, which can result in significant morbidity and mortality when unrecognized or poorly managed, is not uncommonly misdiagnosed in the community.
There are 2 reasons for this: First, the people who are most prone to developing AD typically have low baseline blood pressures, and a significant increase in blood pressure may not be appreciated by an evaluating medical provider; second, the most obvious and distressing symptom, a severe headache, is commonly seen in other conditions. Other autonomic dysfunctions, while perhaps less life-threatening than AD, can certainly impact the lives of persons with SCI significantly...
