Last Updated on January 3, 2025 by Analgesia team
AD Medical Abbreviation
AD is a medical abbreviation for autonomic dysreflexia, a life-threatening condition that occurs when the autonomic nervous system overreacts to stimulation:
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SymptomsAD can cause a sudden increase in blood pressure, which can lead to a stroke or even death. Other symptoms include a change in heart rate and excessive sweating. The main symptom is a headache.
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CausesAD is most often caused by a spinal cord injury at or above the sixth thoracic vertebrae (T6). It can be triggered by anything that causes pain or discomfort below the level of injury, even if the pain can’t be felt.
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TreatmentAD is a medical emergency and must be treated as such.
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TriggersThe most common cause of AD is bladder problems, such as a distended bladder, blocked catheter, urinary retention, or a urinary tract infection. Researchers use the “6 Bs” to help remember potential triggers: bladder, bowels, boils, bones, babies, and back passage