User:Mr. Ibrahem/Spinal shock

Mr. Ibrahem/Spinal shock
Cervical spine MRI showing a C4 fracture and dislocation resulting in spinal cord compression
Symptoms	Temporary loss or decrease of reflexes
Complications	Neurogenic shock
Duration	4 to 12 weeks
Causes	Spinal cord injury
Risk factors	Substance misuse
Treatment	Supportive care

Spinal shock is the temporary loss or decrease of reflexes below the level of a spinal cord injury (SCI). There is also generally no motor or sensory function below the injury. Onset is usually sudden. Low blood pressure may or may not be present. It can be complicated by neurogenic shock, which is low blood pressure due to loss of sympathetic tone as a result of a spinal cord injury.

It most commonly occurs from injury, such as a motor vehicle collision, fall, sports accident, or self-harm. Other causes may include low blood pressure or as a complication of angiography. The underlying mechanism involve near or complete disruption through a level of the spinal cord. Spinal shock is deemed to have resolved as reflexes return, despite the reflexes never returning to normal. It generally lasts 4 to 12 weeks, after which spasticity occurs.

There is no specific treatment once the injury has occurred. Efforts generally include preventing low blood pressure and low oxygen levels. Long term care is generally required. Males are affected four times more often than females. The condition may have been described as early as 1750 by Whytt, though the term itself was first used in 1841 by Hall.