Autonomic dysreflexia in SCI patients at or above T6 is typically triggered by which of the following?

Autonomic dysreflexia in SCI patients at or above T6 is typically triggered by which of the following?

• A. Light eye strain
• B. Noxious stimuli below the injury such as bladder or bowel issues
• C. Excessive hydration
• D. High altitude

Answer: (B)

Autonomic dysreflexia in spinal cord injury patients at or above T6 happens because a noxious stimulus below the level of injury triggers an unmodulated sympathetic response. The injury interrupts descending brain control, so when something below the injury is irritating or obstructive—most commonly bladder distension, urinary retention, catheter problems, or bowel impaction—the sympathetic nerves below the injury contract and cause a sudden, dangerous rise in blood pressure. The brain can’t properly regulate this reflex, leading to the classic presentation. Other options like light eye strain, excessive hydration, or high altitude aren’t typical triggers for this reflex, whereas bladder or bowel issues below the injury are.

Autonomic dysreflexia in spinal cord injury patients at or above T6 happens because a noxious stimulus below the level of injury triggers an unmodulated sympathetic response. The injury interrupts descending brain control, so when something below the injury is irritating or obstructive—most commonly bladder distension, urinary retention, catheter problems, or bowel impaction—the sympathetic nerves below the injury contract and cause a sudden, dangerous rise in blood pressure. The brain can’t properly regulate this reflex, leading to the classic presentation. Other options like light eye strain, excessive hydration, or high altitude aren’t typical triggers for this reflex, whereas bladder or bowel issues below the injury are.