A syndrome associated with damage to the spinal cord above the mid thoracic level (see spinal cord injuries) characterized by a marked increase in the sympathetic response to minor stimuli such as bladder or rectal distention. Manifestations include hypertension; tachycardia (or reflex bradycardia); fever; flushing; and hyperhidrosis. Extreme hypertension may be associated with a stroke. (From Adams et al., Principles of neurology, 6th ed, pp538 and 1232; J Spinal Cord Med 1997;20(3):355-60)