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4. Autonomic Dysreflexia

A spinal cord injury can render the autonomic nervous system unable to process messages, and this can result in an autonomic dysreflexia attack. AD is a response to an overactive ANS, due to irritation or infection. Because the event impairs communication between the brain and the area below the injury, the body cannot fix problems occurring below the site. This confusion causes high blood pressure or weak pulse, among other symptoms. Those with injuries at the T6 vertebrae or higher may develop this life-threatening emergency.

Autonomic Dysreflexia fotostorm / Getty Images

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