In autonomic dysreflexia, what is a common symptom related to blood pressure?

In autonomic dysreflexia, what is a common symptom related to blood pressure?

• A. Hypertension
• B. Bradycardia
• C. Tachycardia
• D. Hypotension

Answer: (B)

In autonomic dysreflexia, a commonly recognized symptom is hypertension, which occurs due to an exaggerated sympathetic response to a noxious stimulus below the level of a spinal cord injury. This condition leads to a significant rise in blood pressure, often accompanied by other symptoms such as headaches and flushing. The reflexive response from the autonomic nervous system can cause the heart rate to decrease, making bradycardia—a slower than normal heart rate—a secondary response in response to the elevated blood pressure. Therefore, the correct phenomenon associated with autonomic dysreflexia is hypertension, while bradycardia can be an important clinical consideration as the body attempts to regulate or respond to the high blood pressure. This context clarifies that while bradycardia may occur in these cases, the hallmark symptom directly related to blood pressure issues is hypertension.

In autonomic dysreflexia, a commonly recognized symptom is hypertension, which occurs due to an exaggerated sympathetic response to a noxious stimulus below the level of a spinal cord injury. This condition leads to a significant rise in blood pressure, often accompanied by other symptoms such as headaches and flushing. The reflexive response from the autonomic nervous system can cause the heart rate to decrease, making bradycardia—a slower than normal heart rate—a secondary response in response to the elevated blood pressure. Therefore, the correct phenomenon associated with autonomic dysreflexia is hypertension, while bradycardia can be an important clinical consideration as the body attempts to regulate or respond to the high blood pressure.

This context clarifies that while bradycardia may occur in these cases, the hallmark symptom directly related to blood pressure issues is hypertension.