In autonomic dysreflexia, which complication is considered the most dangerous?

In autonomic dysreflexia, which complication is considered the most dangerous?

• A. Hypoxia
• B. Bradycardia
• C. Elevated blood pressure
• D. Tachycardia

Answer: (C)

Autonomic dysreflexia causes a massive sympathetic discharge below the level of injury, leading to a sudden and dangerous rise in blood pressure. The body's reflex may slow the heart (bradycardia) in response, but this does not counteract the severe hypertension. The key danger is the extreme elevation in blood pressure, which can cause life-threatening end-organ damage such as intracranial hemorrhage, stroke, myocardial ischemia, and kidney injury if not treated promptly. While other issues like hypoxia or abnormal heart rates can occur, the hypertensive crisis itself is the most dangerous consequence.

Autonomic dysreflexia causes a massive sympathetic discharge below the level of injury, leading to a sudden and dangerous rise in blood pressure. The body's reflex may slow the heart (bradycardia) in response, but this does not counteract the severe hypertension. The key danger is the extreme elevation in blood pressure, which can cause life-threatening end-organ damage such as intracranial hemorrhage, stroke, myocardial ischemia, and kidney injury if not treated promptly. While other issues like hypoxia or abnormal heart rates can occur, the hypertensive crisis itself is the most dangerous consequence.