View source for Spinal shock

==Background==
*Do not confuse with [[Neurogenic Shock]]
*Transient stunning of the cord with global loss of function (unlike neurogenic shock) with temporary loss of spinal cord function below complete or incomplete spinal cord injury
**Flaccid [[weakness|paralysis]], [[numbness|anesthesia]], absent bowel/[[urinary incontinence|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
*Can think of it as a "concussion" of the spinal cord

==Clinical Features==
*Bulbocavernosus reflex is among the first to return as spinal shock resolves
**Performed by squeezing glans of penis or clitoris and monitoring for anus contraction
**Mediated by S2-S4
*Usually lasts day to weeks
**Resolves when soft tissue swelling improves

==Differential Diagnosis==
{{Shock DDX}}

==Evaluation==


==Management==


==Disposition==
*Admission

==See Also==
*[[Spinal Cord Trauma]]
*[[Spinal Cord Compression (Non-Traumatic)]]
*[[Neurogenic Shock]]

==External Links==

==References==
<references/>


[[Category:Trauma]]
[[Category:Neurology]]