Q: Which doctor should I go to for autonomic dysreflexia?
A: Autonomic dysreflexia is often detected by the caregiver of the patient with a spinal cord injury, and should be reported immediately to the treating doctor or to the emergency department of a hospital. A high blood pressure in these patients often indicates autonomic dysreflexia, especially in the presence of a full bladder or bowel.
Q: Can autonomic dysreflexia be an emergency condition?
A: Yes, autonomic dysreflexia should be considered as an emergency since it can cause very high blood pressure and complications like stroke. The patient requires immediate care and should be rushed to the emergency room immediately.
Q: What are T5 and T6 vertebrae?
A: T5 and T6 are the vertebrae in the spinal cord which are found in the middle of the lower back.
Q: What is a catheter?
A: A catheter is a tube introduced through the urethra directly into the bladder to help empty the bladder when the patient has a problem passing urine. This is usually used in emergencies and in patients who are bed ridden.
