What symptom is commonly associated with autonomic dysreflexia in clients with high spinal cord injuries?

In autonomic dysreflexia, which primarily occurs in individuals with high spinal cord injuries, one of the hallmark symptoms is a severe headache. This condition arises when there is an overreaction of the autonomic nervous system to stimuli, often related to noxious physical irritants below the level of the spinal injury.

The headache in autonomic dysreflexia is usually intense and can be accompanied by other symptoms, such as hypertension and sweating above the level of the injury. It serves as a critical warning sign that requires immediate medical attention, as untreated autonomic dysreflexia can lead to serious complications, including stroke.

Overall, recognizing severe headache as a symptom of autonomic dysreflexia is essential for proper management and intervention in clients who present with this condition.