Autonomic Dysreflexia (AD) Putting the Pieces of the Puzzle Together
Presented By: Nicole Driggs and Ryan Gebauer
6:00 – 7:00pm | 1.0 Contact Hours
Description:
This 60‑minute session offers occupational therapists a rare, firsthand look into autonomic dysreflexia (AD) and bowel management through the lived experience of Ryan, a C3 quadriplegic who navigates these challenges daily. Blending clinical education with real‑world insight, the presentation will explore the physiology of AD, common triggers, and the critical role of proactive bowel programs in preventing medical crises and supporting quality of life. Ryan will share his personal routines, barriers, and adaptations, highlighting how thoughtful bowel care—supported by products such as Enemeez—can reduce complications and increase independence. Attendees will examine evidence‑based strategies, interdisciplinary considerations, and practical approaches OTs can apply across acute, rehab, and long‑term care settings. The session concludes with an open Q&A, offering space for deeper discussion and case‑based problem‑solving. This interactive format equips clinicians with both clinical understanding and patient‑centered perspective to enhance outcomes for individuals with spinal cord injuries.
Objectives:
- Participants will learn methods to ensure Safe, Predictable, and Efficient Bowel Evacuation in SCI Patients.
- Participants will learn to identify the early signs of AD and implement bowel protocols that reduce noxious stimuli.
- Participants will learn methods to reduce unwanted side effects and time spent in bowel care management to improve patient comfort, dignity, and routine predictability.
Presenter bios:
Based in Ohio, Nicole Driggs graduated from Ohio University as a student-athlete majoring in Exercise Physiology. She is entering her 14th year in the pharmaceutical industry and has been coaching high school softball for the last 25 years. Nicole is passionate about educating, networking, problem solving and helping people. Her industry experience spans durable medical equipment, GI, Cardiology, Oncology, Orthopedics, and hospital sales, including product launches for MiraLAX and Arixtra. In her current role at Quest Healthcare, she educates healthcare professionals across rehab, acute care, oncology clinics, and long-term care facilities in a six-state region, supporting those who care for vulnerable patients daily and networking regionally to achieve quality outcomes. Ryan Gebauer’s life changed at 16 when a tree-jump into a lake left him paralyzed from the neck down (C3-4). After six months of hospitalization and rehabilitation, he chose to get better rather than bitter. That decision fueled an extraordinary path: He earned degrees in Political Science, Criminal Justice, and Business, followed by an MBA in 2008. He became a licensed real estate agent, a passionate disability advocate, and founder of a spinal cord injury support group. Seeing firsthand the challenges disabled individuals face in finding accessible housing, Ryan launched the first U.S. real estate brokerage run by and specializing in serving people with disabilities. Today, as principal broker of Ryan Realty Group in Coral Springs, he uses his expertise to help disabled and senior clients find properties that truly meet their needs.