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Central nervous system

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Autonomic hyperreflexia

Treatment: Treatment depends on the cause. Offending medications or drugs must be discontinued. Any underlying illness that is causing the symptoms needs to be treated. If a substantial slowing of the heart rate is shown to produce symptoms, some drugs called anticholinergics (such as atropine) may be tried. Very high blood pressure needs to be treated carefully, as it may be quite unpredictable, falling abruptly. If symptoms do not improve with medications, a pacemaker may be required. Text Continues Below In patients with spinal cord injury, autonomic hyperreflexia may be caused by pain, fecal impaction, bladder distension, pressure sores, or suctioning. Careful attention to the patient's needs can prevent these problems. Expectations (prognosis): Prognosis depends on the underlying cause. People with autonomic hyperreflexia due to medications usually recover when the offending medications are discontinued. Recovery when the condition is caused by other factors depends on the success of treatment of the underlying disease. Complications: Complications may occur as a result of side effects of medications. Severe reduction of the pulse rate may result in a cardiac arrest. Prolonged, severe high blood pressure may result in seizures or stroke. Calling your health care provider: Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of autonomic hyperreflexia.

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