There is a new online course to help clinicians learn about managing Autonomic dysreflexia (AD) in people with spinal cord injury (SCI) called the ‘ABC of Autonomic Dysreflexia‘. AD, also called hyperreflexia, is a condition that results from overactivity of the autonomic nervous system in individuals with SCI. It is characterized by increased arterial blood pressure that is caused by a very simple stimuli, such as a tight seat beat, inappropriate wheelchair positioning, or a pinched catheter. Symptoms can range in severity from mildly unpleasant to debilitating for the individual.
Without timely recognition and management AD can complicate and lead to life-threatening situations.
Dr. Andrei Krassioukov, SCI physician and Associate Director of Rehabilitation Research for the International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), is a national leader in AD research. His work has led to a better understanding of AD, including the underlying physiology and anatomy, symptom recognition, and treatment.
Based on his research findings, Dr. Krassioukov and colleagues have created the ‘ABC of Autonomic Dysreflexia’ course. The course will teach you about the anatomical and physiological mechanisms behind AD, how to recognize AD symptoms, and how to manage and treat AD episodes. The course is free and there is no time limit for completion.