What is a common noxious stimulus that can trigger autonomic dysreflexia?

What is a common noxious stimulus that can trigger autonomic dysreflexia?

• A. Cold exposure
• B. Quiet environment
• C. Full bladder
• D. Light touch

Answer: (C)

Autonomic dysreflexia occurs when a noxious stimulus below a high spinal cord injury triggers an unchecked sympathetic response, causing a sudden and dangerous rise in blood pressure. A full bladder is the most common trigger because bladder distension sends afferent signals into the spinal cord below the injury, where brain input cannot modulate the reflex. This leads to widespread vasoconstriction under the level of injury, while the body attempts to compensate above the injury, often with bradycardia and headache. Relieving the bladder distension—checking for catheter blockage, ensuring drainage, or catheterizing if needed—often resolves the episode. While other stimuli like cold exposure or light touch can provoke autonomic dysreflexia in some cases, a full bladder is the classic and most frequent trigger.

Autonomic dysreflexia occurs when a noxious stimulus below a high spinal cord injury triggers an unchecked sympathetic response, causing a sudden and dangerous rise in blood pressure. A full bladder is the most common trigger because bladder distension sends afferent signals into the spinal cord below the injury, where brain input cannot modulate the reflex. This leads to widespread vasoconstriction under the level of injury, while the body attempts to compensate above the injury, often with bradycardia and headache. Relieving the bladder distension—checking for catheter blockage, ensuring drainage, or catheterizing if needed—often resolves the episode. While other stimuli like cold exposure or light touch can provoke autonomic dysreflexia in some cases, a full bladder is the classic and most frequent trigger.