Autonomic dysreflexia following acute myelitis due to neuromyelitis optica

ConclusionsThis case report illustrates a clinically relevant, but still under-recognized cardiovascular autonomic complication of severe, cervical or high-thoracic spinal cord impairment due to NMO. In addition to low baseline blood pressure and orthostatic hypotension, the patient developed episodes of autonomic dysreflexia during the acute stage after tetraplegia. Autonomic dysreflexia requires early diagnosis and proper treatment in order to prevent severe complications or death. Greater awareness of this potentially life-threatening cardiovascular emergency of spinal cord impairment is needed among patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals, including neurologists.
Source: Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders - Category: Neurology Source Type: research