A QLD Government website
QLD Government
QSCIS
Queensland Spinal Cord Injuries Service

Common symptoms of autonomic dysreflexia


There are a number of symptoms that can also be early warning signs of autonomic dysreflexia.

Symptoms range in severity and may include the following:

An image showing blood pressure increase as a symptom of AD.

Increase BP 20-40mm Hg above person's usual BP

An image showing heavy sweating as a symptom of AD.

Sweating and flushing above the level of injury

An image showing a pounding headache as a symptom of AD.

Pounding headache

An image showing reddened skin as a symptom of AD.

Rash above the level of injury

An image showing goosebumps as a symptom of AD.

Goosebumps below the level of injury

An image showing chest tightness as a symptom of AD.

Chest tightness, anxiety or flutters