Index
Definition: is defined as hyperactive or over-sensitive reflexes.
Some examples may include spasmodic or spastic tendons, indicative of the disease in the upper motor neuron, as well as the decrease or loss of control usually exerted by the higher brain centers on the lower nerves (disinhibition).
Causes
The most common cause of Hyperreflexia is spinal cord injury. A standard stimulus such as filling the bladder can cause excessive reactions in the nervous system. The reasons for these causes are still unknown.
However, Hyperreflexia can develop through many other causes, including medication and stimulant side effects, hyperthyroidism, electrolyte imbalance, serotonin syndrome, severe brain trauma, multiple sclerosis, and Reye’s syndrome.
Before knowing the causes and pathophysiology of Hyperreflexia, it is essential to understand the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The autonomic nervous system is an involuntary part of the nervous system. This means that you have no control over that.
The autonomic nervous system participates in the maintenance of blood pressure, heart rate, respiration, digestion, metabolism, and even sexual response. The autonomic nervous system is divided into two, the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system.
Both act in opposite directions and, therefore, balance the functions of others.
However, in the case of Hyperreflexia, where there is a lesion above the thoracic vertebra 6, communication between the two autonomous systems is interrupted. Therefore, the stimulation of one is not counteracted by the other, but the condition worsens.
Communication from below the injury can not reach the brain. This lack of coincidence, in short, can lead to Hyperreflexia.
Most of the triggers that cause Hyperreflexia to originate below the level of spinal cord injury.
This includes; bladder irritation, distended bladder, urinary tract infection, urine retention, pressure pain, ingrown toenails, constipation, hemorrhoids, tight clothing, menstrual cramps, ovarian cysts, bone fractures, etc.
Types
Patellar hyperreflexia . It is the patellar reflex or patellar when a person is in a state of alteration. The same can be unilateral or bilateral and affect both knees.
Achilleal hyperreflexia . In this case, the reflex here is exalted and is examined by percussing the Achilles tendon, which causes a contraction of the muscle.
symptom
The symptoms of Hyperreflexia are the following:
- High blood pressure
- Rapid heartbeat
- Intense and throbbing headache.
- Blushes on the face.
- Goosebumps.
- Daze.
- Abundant sweating.
- Nasal congestion.
- Anxiety and apprehension.
- Blurry vision.
- Dilated pupils.
- Dizziness.
- Confusion.
- Spasms of the muscles of the jaw.
- Fever.
Prevention:
Sometimes, long-term medications and the lack of proper treatment will lead to a severe stage. In these cases, it is recommended:
- Change in the treatment.
- Control of blood pressure.
- Control of the nervous system.
- Control the leakage of urine.
Treatment
The treatment depends on diagnosing the specific pathology that causes this symptom. If the same is caused by the use of stimulants or other substances, then eliminating them could alleviate these symptoms.
The doctor makes the diagnosis of autonomic Hyperreflexia. This condition needs immediate medical attention since it is severe and endangers life. The symptoms of autonomic Hyperreflexia are not subtle and may be evident during the time of examination.
This may include pulse and blood pressure. Both are abnormal. Blood pressure is exceptionally high with a rapid pulse.
The doctor initially takes immediate measures to stabilize the patient. Once the blood pressure is controlled, he will look for the underlying cause and take all the corrective measures to treat it.
Since there is a risk of stroke, cardiac arrest, and retinal hemorrhage, all measures are taken to control blood pressure. At the same time, the doctor tries to eliminate the stimuli. Some temporary measures are:
- The patient is given an antihypertensive medication.
- They force him to sit down so that the blood flows at his feet.
- The elimination of tight clothing.
- If the bladder is distended, it is drained with the help of the catheter. If the patient is catheterized, the doctor can check the urinary catheter to see if it is blocked. If it is blocked, a new catheter is replaced, or the blockage is removed.
- Treat constipation
Recovery
The recovery of Hyperreflexia can occur between several hours and several months after a spinal cord injury.
