AUTONOMIC DYSREFLEXIA-PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
SUMMARY
1. Noxious stimulus incites a localised sympathetic response.
2. Results in regional vasoconstriction, increase in CO (2o increased pre-load), hypertension, reflex bradycardia (via vagal parasympathetic stimulation).
3. Bradycardia is ineffective as BP is affected more by vasoconstriction than decrease in flow rate (Poiseuille's law).
4. Descending tracts are unable to decrease sympathetic outflow due to the SCI.
Reference(s)
Cifu, D.X. (2020). Braddom’s physical medicine and rehabilitation. Elsevier. Get it on Amazon.
Cuccurullo, S. (2019). Physical medicine and rehabilitation board review. New York: Demosmedical. Get it on Amazon.
O’Young, B., Young, M.A. and Stiens, S.A. (2008). Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Secrets. Mosby. Get it on Amazon.
