Autonomic dysreflexia--don't let it be a surprise.

This article discusses autonomic dysreflexia, which can occur in patients with spinal cord injury. This potentially life-threatening complication can be managed through an understanding of the disorder and its primary causes. The primary cause of this problem is usually a noxious stimuli that precipitates an abnormal response from the autonomic nervous system. Prevention is the primary nursing treatment and includes implementation of a bladder and bowel management program early in the treatment of the patient with spinal cord injury.