Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Practice

What is autonomic hyperreflexia primarily characterized by?

1. An episode of extremely low blood pressure

2. An episode of extremely high blood pressure

3. A decrease in heart rate

4. An increase in body temperature

The correct answer is: An episode of extremely high blood pressure

Autonomic hyperreflexia is primarily characterized by an episode of extremely high blood pressure. This condition typically occurs in individuals who have experienced spinal cord injuries, particularly those affecting the thoracic region or higher. In this state, stimuli below the level of injury can trigger an exaggerated autonomic response, leading to severe hypertension. The autonomic nervous system becomes overactive, resulting in vasoconstriction below the injury level, and as a compensatory mechanism, the body may attempt to regulate this by causing vasodilation and bradycardia above the injury, but the primary concern is the marked increase in blood pressure. The other options describe conditions that do not align with the defining features of autonomic hyperreflexia. Low blood pressure, decreased heart rate, or increased body temperature may not surface as direct symptoms or characteristics of this specific autonomic dysregulation. Autonomic hyperreflexia is primarily associated with the significant elevation of blood pressure, making it a critical condition that requires immediate medical attention.