The phrase “spinal shock” refers to all functions of the spinal cord which results to a temporary loss or absence of all reflexes just below the level of injury. This loss of reflexes may be permanent or last for days to weeks. The injury that results to spinal shock is usually traumatic and happens immediately (Mayo Clin Proc 1996).
Stages of Spinal Shock
Stage 1
This stage is characterized by weakening or complete loss of all reflexes just below the spinal cord injury (SCI). This stage usually last for a day. The neurons which are involved in different reflex arcs usually receive stimulation from the brain. After Spinal cord injury, the cells lose input so that the neurons involved become less responsive to stimuli.
Stage 2
This stage happens in the next two days and some of the reflexes slowly return below the spinal cord injury. Usually the first reflexes to return is polysynaptic in nature like the bulbocavernosus reflex (Wheeless Textbook of Orthopaedics).
Stage 3 and 4
Restoration of deep tendon reflexes is restored during stage 3. Stage 3 and 4 is characterized by abnormal strong reflexes just by minimal stimulation. Stage 3 usually happens within one to four weeks and is characterized by axon-supported synapse growth while stage four can occur between one to twelve months and is characterized by soma-supported synapse growth.
Spinal Shock Symptoms
Symptoms of spinal shock includes the following – absence of reflexes, tetraplegia or paralysis, paraplegia or paralysis of the lower half of the body, paralysis of the bowel wall, gastric atony, sensory loss, flaccid muscles, lack of sweating, pale skin, dry skin, depressed genital reflexes, flexor spasms, increased reflex response, dull pain, over sweating, flushing, headache, increase blood pressure and slowed heart rate.
Tests are necessary to evaluate Spinal cord shock and the following tests may be use to evaluate spinal cord shock – chest x-ray, electrocardiogram, arterial blood gas, blood cultures, complete blood count, kidney and liver profile; urinalysis and urine culture; and electrolyte profile.
Treatment for spinal shock depends on the cause but general treatment usually includes medications for low blood pressure, antibiotics, intravenous fluids, blood transfusions, oxygen therapy, cardiac monitoring, use of mechanical ventilation and surgery if necessary.
Prognosis for such condition depends on factors like overall health of the person, age and of course the underlying cause of the shock. However the elderly is most affected and figures shows that about ninety percent of elderly people die from shock, and ten percent of young individual die from shock.