Autonomic Dysreflexia

**Definition:** A syndrome associated with damage to the spinal cord above the mid thoracic level (see SPINAL CORD INJURIES) characterized by a marked increase in the sympathetic response to minor stimuli such as bladder or rectal distention. Manifestations include HYPERTENSION; TACHYCARDIA (or reflex bradycardia); FEVER; FLUSHING; and HYPERHIDROSIS. Extreme hypertension may be associated with a STROKE. (From Adams et al., Principles of Neurology, 6th ed, pp538 and 1232; J Spinal Cord Med 1997;20(3):355-60)

**Tree numbers:** - C10.177.090 - C10.900.850.250

**Synonyms:** - Autonomic Hyperreflexia - Dysreflexia, Autonomic - Spinal Autonomic Dysreflexia - Hyperreflexia, Autonomic