Living with spinal cord injury not only presents challenges with pain management and mobility issues but there is also the risk of developing autonomic dysreflexia. Autonomic dysreflexia is an abnormal reaction of the involuntary nervous system to stimulation, which can cause serious health implications.
In order to prevent or spot the symptoms of this severe health condition, care needs to be administered by someone who knows what to look out for and what to do in the event of an emergency. Implementing an autonomic dysreflexia care plan can greatly benefit individuals who have experienced spinal cord injuries.
In this guide, we explore how autonomic dysreflexia nursing care can help provide the highest level of support and why live-in care could be the ideal solution to help mitigate the risk of this complex and serious health condition.
What is autonomic dysreflexia?
Autonomic dysreflexia is a serious health condition that can be potentially life-threatening. It is an overreaction of the autonomic nervous system, most commonly caused by bladder and bowel distension. This severe reaction can lead to a sudden and dangerous increase in blood pressure, which could result in a heart attack or stroke.
People with spinal cord injury are most at risk of being diagnosed with autonomic dysreflexia. It is particularly common amongst individuals with an injury at or above the sixth thoracic vertebra (T6) in the spine, which is about the level of the shoulder blades. Over half of people with a spinal cord injury in the upper back experience autonomic dysreflexia.
Although injury may cause loss of feeling in this area, the nerves are still functioning, but they sometimes send the wrong messages to the brain. An example of this faulty signalling is instructions for the blood vessels to narrow, increasing blood pressure. The brain then tries to lower the blood pressure, but its message can’t pass through the injured area of the spinal cord.
What are the symptoms of autonomic dysreflexia?
Being aware of autonomic dysreflexia symptoms is vital, especially if your loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury. If an individual is at risk of experiencing episodes of autonomic dysreflexia, there are several symptoms to watch out for, these include:
- Higher than normal blood pressure
- Bradycardia (slower than normal heart rate)
- Pounding headache
- Flushing of the skin
- Sweating
- Blotching of the skin above the level of injury
- Pale skin
- Feeling cold to the touch
- Goosebumps below the level of injury
- Nasal congestion
- Nausea
What triggers autonomic dysreflexia?
Autonomic dysreflexia in spinal cord injury sufferers can be triggered by a number of health issues. These issues range from minor everyday problems, such as constipation, to more concerning conditions like faecal impaction and urinary tract infections. Here are a few of the common causes of autonomic dysreflexia.
Overfull bladder
If the bladder is overfull, otherwise known as distention, due to a catheter blockage or not going to the toilet regularly, this can trigger autonomic dysreflexia.
Bladder Infection
Bladder issues account for approximately 85% of all autonomic dysreflexia cases. Bladder stones, infections, or a bladder spasm during a catheter change, are all common triggers.
Constipation
Autonomic dysreflexia bowel care is crucial for preventing potentially life-threatening complications and ensuring the overall health and well-being of individuals with spinal cord injuries. Problems such as constipation, trapped gas, or faecal impaction are the second most common triggers.
Wounds
Proper care of open wounds, pressure sores, sunburn, scalds, and insect bites below the spinal cord injury, can also help to prevent an autonomic dysreflexia episode.
Other health issues
Ingrown toenails, bone dislocations or fractures, deep vein thrombosis, and other conditions can activate an autonomic dysreflexia attack.
Medications
People at risk of autonomic dysreflexia should be wary of medication such as nasal decongestants, misoprostol, sympathomimetics, and stimulants. That is why it is best to seek medical advice from a GP before starting any new medications.
Home care and autonomic dysreflexia
With this life-threatening condition, episodes of autonomic dysreflexia can come on suddenly. Spotting the signs of an attack early enough for prompt intervention and knowing exactly what to do is essential and could be life-saving.
Home care for autonomic dysreflexia allows individuals at risk of this severe health condition to feel safe in the knowledge that they are in expert hands. Home carers specialising in autonomic dysreflexia work in collaboration with healthcare professionals and undergo the appropriate training to ensure that they can act to prevent and manage symptoms of this condition. Irritation of the bowel and bladder, amongst other things, can trigger an episode, so home carers can reduce the likelihood of an autonomic dysreflexia episode by:
- Assisting with regular toileting e.g. not allowing the bladder to be overfull
- Alerting healthcare professionals if symptoms appear
- Spotting signs of constipation or urinary tract infection
- Administering proper catheter and collection bag care
- Skin care to prevent pressure sores and infection
How Country Cousins can help
If you or your loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury and would like the reassurance and support a home carer can bring, Country Cousins can help. Our nationwide introductory live-in care service can match people at risk of autonomic dysreflexia with an experienced live-in carer, ensuring that they receive expert one-to-one support all in the comfort of their homes.
With more than 60 years of experience, we have extensive expertise in a wide range of home care services. You can trust us to help you find the most suitable at-home live-in care in line with your specific health needs. For more advice on choosing in-home care for your elderly loved one, check out our guide to live-in care at home.
Talk to our team today
If you require live-in care at home for you or your loved one, get in touch with us at Country Cousins today. We are the UK’s longest-serving introductory care agency, having provided compassionate care to people in their own homes since 1959.
Give us a call today on 01293 244 706. should you have any questions about home care. Our experienced team is on hand to help from Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm. Alternatively, contact us through our online enquiry form.
