I can't say that I've ever been aware of an AD attack in the two and a half years since my SCI( T4 incomplete). When my pulse rate mysteriously spikes to 80-90+, is that mild AD?
I can't say that I've ever been aware of an AD attack in the two and a half years since my SCI( T4 incomplete). When my pulse rate mysteriously spikes to 80-90+, is that mild AD?
I think that if anything out of the ordinary occurs with your pulse rate then its a possibility servant...do you get any other symptoms? Its always worth checking with your docs?
Maybe check to see if you can identify any bladder issue etc when it happens?
I can't say that I've ever been aware of an AD attack in the two and a half years since my SCI( T4 incomplete). When my pulse rate mysteriously spikes to 80-90+, is that mild AD?
My primary injury, demyelination from disease, is at L3, but I have lesions about that level into the cervical area. Normally, I would not be considered a candidate for AD. I have had one serious incident, prompted by a violent norovirus. My pulse went low, but blood pressure was high. Nose closed up as if I had severe allergy. And sweating was only above L3, and profuse. Fortunately, ER staff recognized what was happening before I was in real danger from AD and treated me successfully.
When my bladder or bowel are very full, I start to sweat only in upper body, and this is an indication to me to take care of these matters. So as others have said, it is good to be vigilant and learn to read our bodies. Once when I had a sudden and severe infection in a pressure sore, I experienced this unusual sweating also, and extreme onset of nasal congestion. So, this info was most helpful!
Spikes of pulse to 80-90 don't strike me as especially dangerous, if your rate returns to normal within a reasonable time. I find I am much less emotional resilient since my disease, and more so since paralysis, and also more prone to this level of spike when I get upset. For example, I can feel it every time someone apparently able-bodied parks in an accessible space and I am still driving around wondering if I will get to shop now that I have mad the effort just to get out to the store! But as I think things through, my pulse returns to normal. If you have extended palpitations, then wise to let your physician know and discover cause.
I can't say that I've ever been aware of an AD attack in the two and a half years since my SCI( T4 incomplete). When my pulse rate mysteriously spikes to 80-90+, is that mild AD?
Millard when i first worked at getting my orgasms back after being told i had sexual dysfunction, i had awful bladder spasms...i know this is slightly off topic as it isnt about AD but still i noticed that the more i got my orgasm back and kept active in this way then the spasms eventually went.... So....on topic really with what you are saying lol
Good excuse though to keep having fun lol
I would love to have an orgasm again. How do you get it back?
Millard when i first worked at getting my orgasms back after being told i had sexual dysfunction, i had awful bladder spasms...i know this is slightly off topic as it isnt about AD but still i noticed that the more i got my orgasm back and kept active in this way then the spasms eventually went.... So....on topic really with what you are saying lol
Good excuse though to keep having fun lol
I would love to have an orgasm again. How do you get it back?
I guess it was important enough to never say never, It depends on your injury level, where you have/do not have sensation.
What is autonomic dysreflexia (AD)? Autonomic dysreflexia, also known as hyperreflexia, is a state that is unique to patients after spinal cord injury at a T-5 level and above. Patients with spinal cord injuries at Thoracic 5 (T-5) level and above are very susceptible. Patients with spinal cord injuries at Thoracic 6 - Thoracic 10 (T6-T10) may be susceptible. Patients with Thoracic 10 (T-10) and below are usually not susceptible. Also, the older the injury the less likely the person will experience autonomic dysreflexia.
Autonomic dysreflexia can develop suddenly, and is a possible emergency situation. If not treated promptly and correctly, it may lead to seizures, stroke, and even death.
Autonomic dysreflexia means an over-activity of the Autonomic Nervous System. It can occur when an irritating stimulus is introduced to the body below the level of spinal cord injury, such as an overfull bladder. The stimulus sends nerve impulses to the spinal cord, where they travel upward until they are blocked by the lesion at the level of injury. Since the impulses cannot reach the brain, a reflex is activated that increases activity of the sympathetic portion of autonomic nervous system. This results in spasms and a narrowing of the blood vessels, which causes a rise in the blood pressure. Nerve receptors in the heart and blood vessels detect this rise in blood pressure and send a message to the brain. The brain sends a message to the heart, causing the heartbeat to slow down and the blood vessels above the level of injury to dilate. However, the brain cannot send messages below the level of injury, due to the spinal cord lesion, and therefore the blood pressure cannot be regulated.
Symptoms and Causes of Autonomic Dysreflexia
- Pounding headache (caused by the elevation in blood pressure) - Goose Pimples - Sweating above the level of injury - Nasal Congestion - Slow Pulse - Blotching of the Skin - Restlessness
There can be many stimuli that cause autonomic dysreflexia. Anything that would have been painful, uncomfortable, or physically irritating before the injury may cause autonomic dysreflexia after the injury.
The most common cause seems to be overfilling of the bladder. This could be due to a blockage in the urinary drainage device, bladder infection (cystitis), inadequate bladder emptying, bladder spasms, or possibly stones in the bladder. The second most common cause is a bowel that is full of stool or gas. Any stimulus to the rectum, such as digital stimulation, can trigger a reaction, leading to autonomic dysreflexia.
Other causes include skin irritations, wounds, pressure sores, burns, broken bones, pregnancy, ingrown toenails, appendicitis, and other medical complications.
OMG, that totally describes what I go through a lot. I've been having frequent headaches, spasms, chills (goosebumps), and sweating a lot. I just saw a neurologist and for the headaches, he prescribed Voltaren which is a topical gel to be applied on both sides of head, kind of behind ears. He also prescribed TiZANidine for my constant chest spasms to take along with the Baclofen that I'm already taking.
OMG, that totally describes what I go through a lot. I've been having frequent headaches, spasms, chills (goosebumps), and sweating a lot. I just saw a neurologist and for the headaches, he prescribed Voltaren which is a topical gel to be applied on both sides of head, kind of behind ears. He also prescribed TiZANidine for my constant chest spasms to take along with the Baclofen that I'm already taking.
Yeah sounds a lot like AD! Do you notice when you get these episodes? Are they random or does it happen when you're doing something?
OMG, that totally describes what I go through a lot. I've been having frequent headaches, spasms, chills (goosebumps), and sweating a lot. I just saw a neurologist and for the headaches, he prescribed Voltaren which is a topical gel to be applied on both sides of head, kind of behind ears. He also prescribed TiZANidine for my constant chest spasms to take along with the Baclofen that I'm already taking.
Yeah sounds a lot like AD! Do you notice when you get these episodes? Are they random or does it happen when you're doing something?
It seems to be tied to UTI which I've been having trouble with and I mostly drink water, milk with dinner and a Sprite a day. However, I get chest spasms from using my arms wheeling chair or reaching for something, reaching overhead or behind me, shaking a salt shaker, pretty much all the time.
Yeah sounds a lot like AD! Do you notice when you get these episodes? Are they random or does it happen when you're doing something?
It seems to be tied to UTI which I've been having trouble with and I mostly drink water, milk with dinner and a Sprite a day. However, I get chest spasms from using my arms wheeling chair or reaching for something, reaching overhead or behind me, shaking a salt shaker, pretty much all the time.
I think what you're getting is an extensor spasms since it always throws you back. I know many people including myself had it in the beginning but it does get a little better. I still get it sometimes but I've kinda learned how to avoid it and even activate it when I want to. Do you find that your legs tend to kick out/forward when that spasm happens?
Also, UTI's will definately contribute to AD. It's actually the AD that tells me when I have a UTI at which point I start taking antibiotics so in a way it's good & bad lol.
It seems to be tied to UTI which I've been having trouble with and I mostly drink water, milk with dinner and a Sprite a day. However, I get chest spasms from using my arms wheeling chair or reaching for something, reaching overhead or behind me, shaking a salt shaker, pretty much all the time.
I think what you're getting is an extensor spasms since it always throws you back. I know many people including myself had it in the beginning but it does get a little better. I still get it sometimes but I've kinda learned how to avoid it and even activate it when I want to. Do you find that your legs tend to kick out/forward when that spasm happens?
Also, UTI's will definately contribute to AD. It's actually the AD that tells me when I have a UTI at which point I start taking antibiotics so in a way it's good & bad lol.
Yes, my legs jump up or pull back under me if I am sitting. If I am laying down, they jerk upward and tighten up.
I think what you're getting is an extensor spasms since it always throws you back. I know many people including myself had it in the beginning but it does get a little better. I still get it sometimes but I've kinda learned how to avoid it and even activate it when I want to. Do you find that your legs tend to kick out/forward when that spasm happens?
Also, UTI's will definately contribute to AD. It's actually the AD that tells me when I have a UTI at which point I start taking antibiotics so in a way it's good & bad lol.
Yes, my legs jump up or pull back under me if I am sitting. If I am laying down, they jerk upward and tighten up.
Yeah that's the usual haha. Don't worry, you'll get used to it over time
I am currently experiencing this right now. I have ruled out bowel, bladder, and skin. Also, it usually occurs a few hours after I fall asleep and continue until I get in the chair in the morning. I have severe sweating above my level of injury C-4/C-5. Also, chills, Goosebumps and sometimes headache. I am unable to check my blood pressure in the middle of the night. The ER did a CT scan of my abdomen and found nothing. I am lost, it has to be something right! ? This is miserable