Longitudinal Autonomic Characterization as a Predictor for Secondary Medical Complications Post-SCI
Mayo Clinic
Summary
The purpose of this research is to learn about how the body is able to balance changes in blood pressure, how that changes over time, and how these changes impact a participant's risk of developing medical problems.
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–75 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion criteria * 18-75 years old * Spinal cord injury with neurological level of injury from C6-T12 * ASIA Impairment Scale A-D. * Either acute SCI \<3 months prior (n=10) or chronic SCI (\>1 year since injury, n=8). Exclusion criteria * Symptoms of cardiovascular (including, but not limited to: hypertension, stroke, chest pain, etc.), respiratory, peripheral neurological or autonomic disease (particularly diabetes mellitus requiring treatment); * Women who are pregnant or lactating * Taking or being administered a medication known to potentially have adverse interactions with phenyleph…
Interventions
- Diagnostic TestTests of sympathetic inhibition
Bolus phenylephrine infusion using the Oxford technique will generate the need to inhibit sympathetic activity. Similarly, resting state Mayer waves will be assessed with regard to heart rate and blood pressure responses.
- Diagnostic TestTests of above level sympathetic activation
Cold pressor test of the hand will be used to cause sympathetic activation. Valsalva's maneuver will assess the ability to buffer against blood pressure fall (phase II).
- Diagnostic TestTesting of below level sympathetic activation
Cold pressor test of the foot and bladder pressor response will be tested.
Location
- Mayo ClinicRochester, Minnesota