Document Type

Abstract

Publication Date

2-11-2026

Academic Year

2025-2026

Comments

Presented at the 2026 Scholarly Inquiry (SI) Research Project Symposium.

Abstract

Introduction/Purpose: Autonomic dysreflexia (AD), orthostatic hypotension (OH), and postprandial hypotension (PPH) are forms of dysautonomia that can affect people with spinal cord injury (SCI). Life expectancy for individuals with SCI has increased in recent decades, so it is critical to understand how triggers of these conditions change throughout the lifespan. This study will answer the question “What challenges do patients with SCI face regarding autonomic dysfunction as they age, and what are their perceptions of these challenges?”

Methods: This survey-based study aims to better understand dysautonomia in order to educate the medical community about specific challenges of growing older with SCI. Face validity and test-retest reliability testing utilizing simple Spearman correlational analysis was performed to ensure survey consistency prior to distribution to participants. The survey will be administered via Qualtrics and analyzed using cross-sectional correlational tests and qualitative decoding.

Anticipated Results/Conclusions: Qualitative data will be collected to capture the frequency, severity, and changes in AD, OH, and PPH episodes over the course of individuals’ injuries. Data will evaluate respondents’ trust in their physician’s ability to understand and manage their dysautonomias. It is anticipated that patients will have different triggers of their autonomic instability as they age, their episodes will increase in severity, and they will report greater ability to control episodes of dysautonomia. Study limitations include survey length and inherent variation among qualitative responses. These results will provide clinicians with a better understanding of how autonomic dysregulation changes with age, and future work may focus on effective management strategies to address the specific challenges.

Additional Files
Frost_Brian_poster.pdf (439 kB)

Language

English

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