What is the most common cause of autonomic dysreflexia?

Autonomic dysreflexia is a condition characterized by an overactive autonomic nervous system, often seen in individuals with spinal cord injuries. The most common trigger for this condition is bowel or bladder distention. This occurs because stimulation of afferent pathways, particularly from the urinary bladder or rectum, leads to an exaggerated sympathetic response, resulting in symptoms such as hypertension, bradycardia, and severe headache.

While emotional stress, medication side effects, and thermal stimuli can also provoke autonomic dysreflexia, they are not as frequent in comparison to bowel or bladder distention. The direct mechanical irritation or full bladder/bowel creates a strong afferent signal that can precipitate the dysreflexic response, making it the predominant cause. Understanding this mechanism is crucial for proper management and prevention strategies for patients at risk.