Autonomic dysreflexia (AD)

An abnormal, overreaction of the involuntary (autonomic) nervous system to stimulation. Findings include heart rate changes, excessive sweating, hypertension, muscle spasms, and skin color changes (paleness, redness, blue-gray skin color). When subjected to a noxious stimulus below the level of the lesion, spinal cord injured patients may develop this intermittent, life-threatening condition. The initial episode usually occurs weeks-to-years injury. PRONUNCIATION: au-to-NOM-ic dys-re-FLEX-ia. Also known as autonomic hyperreflexia.