Which is a common symptom of autonomic dysreflexia?

Sudden high blood pressure is a hallmark symptom of autonomic dysreflexia, a condition often seen in individuals with spinal cord injuries, typically those at or above the T6 level. This overreaction of the autonomic nervous system is triggered in response to a stimulus below the level of injury, such as a full bladder or bowel impaction. The body responds with a dramatic increase in blood pressure which, if not recognized and managed properly, can lead to serious complications such as stroke or seizure.

In this context, the other symptoms listed are generally not associated with autonomic dysreflexia. Fainting spells may occur for various reasons but are not a direct symptom of this condition. Chronic pain can be a comorbidity for individuals with spinal cord injury but does not define autonomic dysreflexia. Similarly, memory loss can be related to a range of neurologic issues, but it is not a symptom associated with autonomic dysreflexia. Understanding the distinct characteristics of this condition is important for timely detection and treatment.