G90: Disorders of autonomic nervous system
G90.4: Autonomic dysreflexia
Autonomic dysreflexia is a potentially life-threatening medical condition that affects individuals with spinal cord injuries at or above the sixth thoracic vertebra (T6). This condition is characterized by a sudden, excessive rise in blood pressure due to an overreaction of the body's autonomic nervous system, which controls many involuntary functions like heart rate and temperature regulation. Autonomic dysreflexia is commonly triggered by an irritant or problem below the level of the spinal cord injury, such as a urinary tract infection, bladder distension, or bowel impaction. Typical symptoms include severe pounding headache, flushing of the skin, sweating above the level of the injury, nasal congestion, and slower than normal heart rate. Without prompt management, autonomic dysreflexia can lead to serious complications, including seizures, stroke, and cardiac arrest.
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