What complications can arise from untreated autonomic dysreflexia?

What complications can arise from untreated autonomic dysreflexia?

• A. Headache
• B. Nausea
• C. Fatigue
• D. Seizures, stroke, and death

Answer: (D)

The key idea is that autonomic dysreflexia can trigger a life-threatening hypertensive crisis if not treated. In people with high-level spinal cord injuries, a noxious stimulus below the injury can cause a massive sympathetic surge, rapidly raising blood pressure. If this elevated pressure isn’t controlled, it can lead to serious brain and organ damage, including seizures, stroke, or death. That’s why the option describing seizures, stroke, and death is the best answer—it reflects the potentially catastrophic consequences of leaving the episode untreated. The other options describe symptoms that can occur during an episode (like headache, nausea, or fatigue) but do not capture the severe, life-threatening complications that can follow if the condition isn’t managed promptly.

The key idea is that autonomic dysreflexia can trigger a life-threatening hypertensive crisis if not treated. In people with high-level spinal cord injuries, a noxious stimulus below the injury can cause a massive sympathetic surge, rapidly raising blood pressure. If this elevated pressure isn’t controlled, it can lead to serious brain and organ damage, including seizures, stroke, or death. That’s why the option describing seizures, stroke, and death is the best answer—it reflects the potentially catastrophic consequences of leaving the episode untreated. The other options describe symptoms that can occur during an episode (like headache, nausea, or fatigue) but do not capture the severe, life-threatening complications that can follow if the condition isn’t managed promptly.