Autonomic Dysreflexia Treatment in India

Anjali Miller, a 32-year-old architect, sustained...

Anjali Miller, a 32-year-old architect, sustained a T6 spinal cord injury in a rock climbing accident five years ago. She had been managing well with her wheelchair and had returned to work part-time. Over the past 48 hours, she developed a severe, pounding headache, profuse sweating above her injury level, and a flushed face. Her blood pressure, normally around 110/70, was found to be 210/115 during a telehealth check. Her neurologist, recognizing the classic signs of Autonomic Dysreflexia (AD), urgently recommended she come to the clinic. The immediate treatment involved sitting her upright, loosening her clothing, and identifying the trigger, which was a blocked urinary catheter. The catheter was carefully irrigated and replaced. Her blood pressure normalized within minutes, and the headache subsided. Anjali was terrified during the episode, fearing a stroke or a permanent setback in her hard-won independence. After the rapid and effective treatment, she felt immense relief and empowerment, but also a renewed sense of vulnerability. She and her neurologist developed a comprehensive AD action plan for her and her caregivers, turning her fear into preparedness.