Prehospital treatment of autonomic dysreflexia

Abstract

Autonomic dysreflexia is a potentially life-threatening condition that can affect people with established spinal cord injuries above the level of T6. If left untreated, it can lead to uncontrolled hypertension causing stroke, seizures, pulmonary oedema and death. In Ireland and the UK, there are approximately 60 000 people living with spinal cord injuries who are at risk of developing autonomic dysreflexia. Despite this, there are no prehospital guidelines on treating the condition to date. This educational article aims to address this gap in knowledge and offer potential treatment options for paramedics and ambulance clinicians, which can be effectively applied to this cohort of patients in the future. Abstract published with permission.