OverviewWhat is neurogenic shock?Neurogenic shock is a condition in which you have trouble keeping your heart rate, blood pressure and temperature stable because of damage to your nervous system after a spinal cord injury. Like other types of shock, this is a serious condition that can be fatal because your blood flow is too low. Without normal blood flow, your cells can’t get the oxygen and nutrients they need to do their jobs. Show
You should get treatment for shock right away. Neurogenic shock vs. spinal shock Neurogenic shock vs. hypovolemic shock Who does neurogenic shock affect?People whose nervous system is hurt after a spinal cord injury can get neurogenic shock. How common is neurogenic shock?Studies estimate that 19% to 31% of people with a spinal cord injury get neurogenic shock. Each year, about 8,000 to 10,000 people in America injure their spinal cord — mostly through car crashes and falls. How does neurogenic shock affect my body?When you have a spinal cord injury, it can prevent your nerves from telling your blood vessels to constrict. Without getting this command, your blood vessels can open up too much (vasodilation). This lowers your blood pressure and your blood flow, which means your organs can’t get enough oxygen. Symptoms and CausesWhat are the symptoms?Symptoms of neurogenic shock include:
What causes neurogenic shock?Causes of neurogenic shock include:
Diagnosis and TestsHow is neurogenic shock diagnosed?To diagnose neurogenic shock, your healthcare provider will:
What tests will be done to diagnose neurogenic shock?Your provider may order these scans:
Management and TreatmentHow is neurogenic shock treated?Your provider will put a collar or neck brace on your neck to keep your injury from getting worse. First, your provider will treat your low blood pressure with fluids you receive through an IV. Next, your provider will treat your slow heart rhythm. In addition to neurogenic shock treatment, providers will also give you treatment for injuries from your accident. What medications/treatments are used?For neurogenic shock management, your provider may order several different medicines, including:
Complications/side effects of the treatmentAny medications can have side effects, but your provider chooses medicines with benefits that outweigh the risks. Also, there is a chance that the IV fluids you get can lead to swelling. PreventionHow can I reduce my risk?Preventing a spinal cord injury greatly reduces your risk of neurogenic shock. To do this, you can try to avoid accidents that can cause a spinal cord injury in these ways:
Outlook / PrognosisWhat can I expect if I have neurogenic shock?It’s possible to have hypotension (low blood pressure) for five weeks after your injury. You may also get a deep vein thrombosis (DVT), stress ulcer or aspiration pneumonia (from inhaling something other than air). How long neurogenic shock lastsNeurogenic shock symptoms can last four to five weeks. When can I go back to work/school?Returning to work or school will depend on the extent of your spinal cord injury and other injuries from your accident. You may need to make major changes in your life to accommodate your limited mobility. Outlook for neurogenic shockWithout treatment, shock is most often fatal. With treatment, your outlook depends on:
Having a spinal cord injury makes you two to five times as likely to die early compared to those who don’t have that injury. The risk of death is highest in the first year after a spinal cord injury. Living WithHow do I take care of myself?Because of your spinal cord injury, you’ll be more likely to have other problems like deep vein thrombosis. Also, one or more of your organs may be damaged because of the lack of blood flow during neurogenic shock. Every case is different, but anyone who’s had neurogenic shock should keep up with physical therapy and provider appointments to prevent future problems. When should I see my healthcare provider?You should contact your provider if anything changes with your condition: vital signs, your pain level, etc. When should I go to the ER?You should get immediate help if you have:
What questions should I ask my doctor?
A note from Cleveland Clinic What are the 4 types of shocks?There are broadly four types of shock: distributive, cardiogenic, hypovolemic, and obstructive.
What is distributive shock examples?What is distributive shock?. Septic shock (from a bacterial infection). Example: A serious infection complication called sepsis that gets so bad it leads to septic shock.. Anaphylactic shock (from an allergic reaction or asthma attack). ... . Neurogenic shock (from a spinal cord injury that has damaged your nervous system).. What are the 3 classifications of shock?The main types of shock include: Cardiogenic shock (due to heart problems) Hypovolemic shock (caused by too little blood volume) Anaphylactic shock (caused by allergic reaction)
What are the types of hypovolemic shock?Hypovolemic shock is classified into two types.. Hemorrhagic shock. Hemorrhagic shock can occur as a result of decreased intravascular volume caused by blood loss. ... . Non-hemorrhagic shock. Non-hemorrhagic shock can result from decreased intravascular volume due to fluid loss other than blood.. |