Hyperthyroidism as a Cause of Autonomic Dysreflexia

• DOI: 10.1097/phm.0b013e3181837ee9
• Publication Date: 2008-08-15T07:11:48Z
• Authors: Jae Hyeok Chang; Ji Eui Han; Hyun Joo Sohn; Yong Beom Shin; Hyun-Yoon Ko
• Keywords: Adult; Methimazole; Quadriplegia; Hyperthyroidism; Propranolol; 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; Antithyroid Agents; Autonomic Dysreflexia; Humans; Female; Antihypertensive Agents

A 25-yr-old female tetraplegic patient experienced autonomic dysreflexia episodes involving hypertension, headache, facial flushing, and tachycardia. The symptoms were not related to the bladder or bowel. The episodes did not seem to be linked to any mechanical cause. The patient was incidentally diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. Treatment with antithyroid medication resulted in resolution of the autonomic dysreflexia. This case suggests that hyperthyroidism may trigger autonomic dysreflexia in tetraplegic patients.