title: Beta blockade in the treatment of autonomic dysreflexia: a case report and review.
abstract: Autonomic dysreflexia has long been considered a sympathetically mediated phenomenon. Recent articles have reported the use of alpha blockers as a means of treatment. We report the case of a 20-year-old C5 American Spinal Injury Association A spinal cord injured patient who almost daily experienced symptoms of headache, facial flushing, and hypertension consistent with autonomic dysreflexia. These symptoms caused him frequent discomfort and anxiety. Despite an extensive workup, we were unable to identify a source of his dysreflexic episodes. After starting metoprolol 50 mg every night, however, these episodes stopped and the patient showed no adverse effects from the medication.
authors.affiliation: Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, DC 20307-5001, USA.
authors.forename: P F
authors.initials: PF
authors.lastname: Pasquina
authors.forename: R M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Houston
authors.forename: P V
authors.initials: PV
authors.lastname: Belandres
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000328:Adult; D001342:Autonomic Nervous System Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000293:injuries*; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008790:Metoprolol / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000150:complications*; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000150:complications*
chemical_list: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D008790:Metoprolol