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Prevention

How to prevent problems and maintain a healthy autonomic nervous system

Self-management tips

First and foremost things to do

blood pressure monitor

Record your normal blood pressure

Autonomic Dysreflexia Emergency Card

Always carry your personalised autonomic dysreflexia emergency card with you

Bottle of anginine

Ask your doctor to prescribe medicine for autonomic dysreflexia to keep on hand, and check expiry dates regularly

Healthy tips to prevent Autonomic Dysreflexia

  • Ensure catheter tube is not kinked and flowing freely
  • Drink plenty of water to prevent catheter blockage
  • Perform regular intermittent catheterisation
  • Regularly empty your leg bag.

  • Ensure catheter tube is not kinked and flowing freely
  • Drink plenty of water to prevent catheter blockage
  • Perform regular intermittent catheterisation
  • Regularly empty your leg bag.

  • Eat a well-balanced diet
  • Take medications as prescribed
  • Drink plenty of water to prevent constipation
  • If constipated, perform evacuation gently
  • Have a regular bowel routine.

fruit and nuts in the shape of a glass with straw

 

  • Perform regular pressure relief and inspect skin at least daily
  • Check equipment (including cushion, wheelchair and other surfaces) regularly
  • Do not wear tight clothes and shoes
  • Avoid potential causes for burns, such as carrying hot liquids in your lap or sitting too close to a fire or heater
  • Practice good foot care to prevent ingrown toenails.

image of an ingrown toenail on a foot

Important Notes

Be aware of other stimuli such as a bone fracture, extreme temperatures or sexual activity.

“Don’t be afraid to seek information for yourself.”

Person with spinal cord injury

Take home messages

blood pressure monitor

ASK
your GP to check your blood pressure at every visit so you know your normal blood pressure

If you are at risk of autonomic dysreflexia, consider having a blood pressure monitor at home.

blood pressure monitor
Autonomic Dysreflexia Emergency Card

ALWAYS REMEMBER
to carry your autonomic dysreflexia emergency card with you

If you do not have one, ask your spinal cord injury care provider to arrange one for you.

doctors checklist with stethoscope and pen lying on top
illustration of an ambulance back view

TREAT
autonomic dysreflexia as an emergency

Dial 000 for an ambulance if your autonomic dysreflexia does not resolve.

mobile phone with triple zero on screen
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