Autonomic hyperreflexia.

Autonomic hyperreflexia or autonomic dysreflexia is a life-threatening condition found in quadriplegics and high paraplegics. It is characterized by generalized sympathetic hyperactivity; paroxysmal hypertension is its most devastating complication. The syndrome is precipitated by distension of hollow viscus, usually bladder, and treatment is directed at removing the offending stimulus. Occasionally parenteral drug therapy may be required to abort the symptoms. The two cases presented help to illustrate this syndrome.