Autonomic Hyperreflexia
Definition
Autonomic hyperreflexia is a reaction of the autonomic (involuntary) nervous system to over-stimulation. This may include high blood pressure, change in heart rate, skin color changes (pallor, redness, blue-grey coloration), and profuse sweating.
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Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
There are many causes of autonomic hyperreflexia. These include medication side effects, illicit use of stimulants such as cocaine and amphetamine (which enhance the effects of adrenaline in the body), spinal cord injuries, Guillain-Barre syndrome (a severe form of paralysis which can lead to respiratory failure), subarachnoid hemorrhage (a form of brain bleeding), severe head trauma, and other brain injuries.
The following conditions share many similar symptoms, but have a different underlying cause:
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Carcinoid syndrome -- a disease caused by abnormal cells of the lungs and gut which produce hormones
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Thyroid storm -- a condition caused by excessive production of thyroid hormone
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Neuroleptic malignant syndrome -- condition characterized by muscle stiffness, high fever, and drowsiness, which can be caused by some antipsychotic medications and anesthetic agents
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Serotonin syndrome -- abnormal release of serotonin, a brain chemical
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