Autonomic dysreflexia is also known as autonomic hyperreflexia.
This significant medical condition is a result of dysregulation within the autonomic nervous system. It manifests as an uncoordinated and exaggerated response to a noxious (painful or irritating) stimulus located below the level of a spinal cord injury.
Understanding Autonomic Dysreflexia (AD)
Autonomic dysreflexia (AD) is a serious, potentially life-threatening medical emergency primarily affecting individuals with spinal cord injuries at or above the T6 level. The two names for the condition highlight different aspects of its nature:
| Term | Key Characteristic & Description |
|---|---|
| Autonomic Dysreflexia | This is the most commonly used term. "Dysreflexia" implies a dysfunction or difficulty in the normal reflex activity of the autonomic nervous system. It points to a disordered response rather than a complete absence, where the system reacts improperly to stimuli. |
| Autonomic Hyperreflexia | This alternative term emphasizes the excessive or overly active nature of the reflex. "Hyperreflexia" specifically refers to an exaggerated reflex action. In the context of AD, it highlights the uncontrolled sympathetic nervous system response that leads to severe symptoms like dangerously high blood pressure in reaction to otherwise minor irritants. |
Both terms accurately describe the same critical condition, which requires immediate recognition and management to prevent complications. For more in-depth information on autonomic dysreflexia, you can consult reputable resources such as Physiopedia.
