Open AccessBrainstem Haemorrhage due to Autonomic Dysreflexia in a Person with C6 Tetraplegia
Author(s) -
Raji Thomas,
Swapna Patil
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
indian journal of physical medicine and rehabilitation/indian journal of physical medicine and rehabilitation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 0973-2209
pISSN - 2949-8058
DOI - 10.5005/ijopmr-26-4-114
Subject(s) - autonomic dysreflexia , tetraplegia , medicine , brainstem , spinal cord injury , spinal cord , anesthesia , complication , blood pressure , surgery , psychiatry
Autonomic dysreflexia is an important clinical complication occurring in patients with high levels of spinal cord injury. If untreated, the acute rise in blood pressure can cause end organ damage, including intracerebral haemorrhage. Though unusual, it can be fatal with large haemorrhages causing brain herniation syndromes. Here we report the case of a patient with C6 complete tetraplegia patient who developed brainstem haemorrhage during an episode of autonomic dysreflexia. The pathophysiology and treatment methods of this condition are discussed, highlighting the importance of preventive measures to avoid the same.