Autonomic dysreflexia triggered by breastfeeding in a tetraplegic mother.

OBJECTIVE

To highlight an unusual cause of autonomic dysreflexia in tetraplegia and present a review of the literature.

STUDY

DESIGN

Case report of a patient in Stoke Mandeville Hospital, UK.

METHODS

A 33-year-old woman with C6 incomplete tetraplegia presented with signs and symptoms of autonomic dysreflexia attributed to breastfeeding.

RESULTS

Cessation of breastfeeding was effective in stopping autonomic dysreflexia.

CONCLUSION

Autonomic dysreflexia is associated with a significant risk of morbidity and mortality. Identification of the triggering cause is vital in order to prevent further complications. Breastfeeding is an unusual and unexpected cause of autonomic dysreflexia.