Spinal shock

Background

• Do not confuse with Neurogenic Shock
• Temporary loss of spinal cord function below complete or incomplete spinal cord injury
  • Flaccid paralysis, anesthesia, absent bowel/bladder control and reflex activity, priapism
  • Can make an incomplete lesion appear as complete
    • Cord lesions cannot be deemed complete until spinal shock has resolved
• Bulbocavernosus reflex is among the first to return as spinal shock resolves
• Usually lasts day to weeks
  • Resolves when soft tissue swelling improves
• Can think of it as a "concussion" of the spinal cord

See Also

• Spinal Cord Trauma
• Spinal Cord Compression (Non-Traumatic)
• Neurogenic Shock

Source

• Tintinalli