Information Brochures.pdf

Autonomic Dysreflexia (AD) is a dangerous rise in blood pressure triggered by painful or non-painful stimulation below the level of a spinal cord injury (SCI). Symptoms include pounding headache, blurry vision, sweating, nasal congestion, nausea, anxiety, and difficulty breathing. Signs include rapid increase in blood pressure, slow heart rate, upper body flushing, and goosebumps. AD can lead to serious consequences such as stroke, heart attack, or death.

Boosting occurs when an athlete with SCI intentionally induces autonomic dysreflexia during training or competition to increase blood pressure and improve performance. However, boosting is not allowed due to concerns for athlete safety, as it can cause severe and uncontrolled increases in blood pressure, leading to stroke, seizures, abnormal heart rhythms, and death.

Orthostatic Hypotension (OH) is a decrease in blood pressure caused by sitting up after lying down, leading to symptoms such as dizziness, blurred vision, feeling of faintness, nausea, fatigue, and headache. Signs include syncope, decreased blood pressure, and increased heart rate. OH can be caused by dehydration, peripheral neuropathy, and low resting blood pressure.

If experiencing AD, individuals should sit up, loosen tight clothing, measure blood pressure, and empty their bladder if full. If symptoms persist, they should call their country's emergency number and go to the emergency room. For OH, individuals should drink water, eat small meals, and avoid sudden changes in position. If symptoms occur, they should lie down, raise their legs, and drink water.