Autonomic Dysreflexia and the Menstrual Cycle in a Woman with Spinal Cord Injury

Issue title: Spinal Cord Injury

Subtitle: A Case Report

Guest editors: Robert G. Frank

Article type: Case Report

Authors: Allen, Joanne B. | Stover, Samuel L. | Jackson, Arnie B. | Richards, J. Scott

Affiliations: Spain Rehabilitation Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, AL

Abstract: Women with spinal cord injury (SCI) may have unique complications that have not yet been well described because their presence in the SCI population is so low compared with that of males. In particular, reproductive health complications unique to women with SCI are poorly understood. In this case report, an apparent relationship between autonomic dysreflexia and the menstrual cycle of a 38-year-old woman with paraplegia is described. The autonomic dysreflexia disappeared after total hysterectomy. Possible mechanisms for these relationships are discussed. The case illustrates the need for more quantitative investigation of the similarities and differences between the reproductive health cycle of women with SCI and their able-bodied counterparts, so that more effective care can be provided.

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-1991-1408

Journal: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 1, no. 4, pp. 58-62, 1991