title: Autonomic dysreflexia--don't let it be a surprise.
abstract: This article discusses autonomic dysreflexia, which can occur in patients with spinal cord injury. This potentially life-threatening complication can be managed through an understanding of the disorder and its primary causes. The primary cause of this problem is usually a noxious stimuli that precipitates an abnormal response from the autonomic nervous system. Prevention is the primary nursing treatment and includes implementation of a bladder and bowel management program early in the treatment of the patient with spinal cord injury.
authors.forename: P A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Adsit
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Bishop
mesh_terms: D001342:Autonomic Nervous System Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000451:nursing; D006801:Humans; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D012307:Risk Factors; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000150:complications*