Which of the following symptoms is associated with autonomic dysreflexia?

Severe headache is a primary symptom associated with autonomic dysreflexia, a condition that typically occurs in individuals with spinal cord injuries above the T6 level. This medical emergency results from an overreaction of the autonomic nervous system to stimuli, often below the level of the injury.

The headache is usually described as intense and can be accompanied by other symptoms due to the body's inability to regulate blood pressure effectively. During an episode of autonomic dysreflexia, high blood pressure is prominent, leading to classic symptoms such as the severe headache. Addressing the underlying cause, such as a full bladder or skin irritation, is crucial in managing this condition and alleviating the headache. Understanding this symptom helps in recognizing autonomic dysreflexia early and preventing severe complications.

The other symptoms, while potentially associated with different conditions, do not represent the hallmark signs of autonomic dysreflexia as clearly as the severe headache does.