Neurogenic shock

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Neurogenic shock is shock caused by the sudden loss of the autonomic nervous system signals to the smooth muscle in vessel walls. This can result from severe central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) damage. With the sudden loss of background sympathetic stimulation, the vessels suddenly relax resulting in a sudden decrease in peripheral vascular resistance and decreased blood pressure.

Signs and symptoms:

• hypotension
• bradycardia
• warm, dry extremities
• peripheral vasodilation
• venous pooling
• Poikilothermia
• Priapism Due to PNS stimulation
• decreased cardiac output (with cervical or high thoracic injury)

[edit] Treatment of Neurogenic shock

• Large volumes of fluid may be needed to restore normal hemodynamics
• Vasopressors (Epinephrine)
• Atropine (speeds up heart rate and Cardiac Output)