Which of the following is a potential complication of autonomic dysreflexia?

The correct answer is high blood pressure, which is a significant and potentially life-threatening complication of autonomic dysreflexia. This condition typically occurs in individuals with spinal cord injuries, particularly those with lesions at or above the T6 level. Autonomic dysreflexia is characterized by an exaggerated autonomic response to stimuli, often resulting from noxious stimuli below the level of the spinal injury.

When faced with such stimuli, the body responds by increasing sympathetic nervous system activity, which can lead to a dangerous rise in blood pressure. This hypertension is often accompanied by other symptoms such as sweating, bradycardia, and headache, but the heightened blood pressure is the most critical threat, potentially resulting in stroke or other cardiovascular complications if not managed promptly.

Muscle atrophy and diabetes insipidus do not typically arise as direct complications of autonomic dysreflexia. Anxiety attacks could occur due to the stressful nature of the situation, but they are not a direct physiological outcome related to the dysregulated autonomic responses seen in autonomic dysreflexia. The emphasis on controlling high blood pressure in this context is essential, as it represents the most immediate concern requiring intervention.