Spinal shock

Mechanism and manifestations

Flaccid paralysis may precede return of some reflexes. This neurological phenomenon differs from neurogenic shock, a circulatory disorder involving hypotension, although both can coexist.

Diagnosis and management

Examination is repeated during acute care. Prognosis should not be fixed from one initial examination; priorities are treating injury, supporting vital functions and preventing complications.

Points to consider

A neurological syndrome describes a pattern; its cause, level and evolution still need investigation. Functional consequences may change over time. New or rapidly worsening deficits need hospital assessment even when a neurological diagnosis is already known.

Role of TAGMED care

With acute symptoms, urgent hospital assessment takes priority. This condition first requires medical diagnosis and, depending on the situation, specialist management. TAGMED services do not replace treatment of infection or tumor, stabilization of an unstable injury, or neurological or vascular treatment. Any conservative support should be considered only after diagnosis, restrictions and the treating team’s recommendations have been clarified.

Related concepts and distinctions

These concepts belong to the same field, but are not synonyms.

• Anterior cord syndrome — Cord injury pattern mainly affecting anterior-region functions, with motor and pain-temperature impairment and relative preservation of dorsal-column functions.
• Neurogenic shock — Acute circulatory state caused by loss of sympathetic control, potentially combining hypotension and bradycardia after some high spinal cord injuries.
• Brown-Séquard syndrome — Syndrome from injury predominantly affecting one half of the cord, classically producing a dissociated pattern of motor and sensory deficits.

Medical references

1. American Association of Neurological Surgeons. Spinal Cord Injury.
2. U.S. National Library of Medicine, MedlinePlus. Spinal Cord Injuries.

References document the topic; their inclusion does not imply endorsement of TAGMED services by those organizations.