Review Note

affects quadriplegics and paraplegics with spinal cord injuries above the level of T6. The cord injury is followed by a temporary loss of all reflexes inferior to the level of the injury. When reflex activity returns, it is exaggerated because of the lack of inhibitory input from higher (brain) centers. The usual trigger for such an episode is a strong stimulus to the skin or the overfilling of a visceral organ, such as the bladder. During the episode, the body goes into flexor spasms, the limbs move wildly, the colon and bladder empty, and profuse sweating occurs. Most seriously, sympathetic activity raises blood pressure to life-threatening levels.

Mass Reflex Reaction

y