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Spinal Shock

Aka: Spinal Shock

Signs
1. Perianal reflex absent
2. Neurologic function absent below the level of the spinal lesion
  1. Flaccid paralysis below the spinal lesion
  2. Reflexes absent below the spinal lesion
Precautions: Pitfalls
1. Intercostal muscle paralysis (hypoventilation)
2. Anesthesia below lesion
  1. Hidden injuries (e.g. Acute Abdomen without pain)
3. Transiently shocked spinal cord
  1. Immobilize immediately
Management
1. Immobilize spine with cervical collar and backboard with head blocks and all straps
2. Frequent ABC evaluation
3. Careful secondary trauma survey
4. Emergent spine surgery consultation

Family Practice Notebook

Patients should address specific medical concerns with their physicians.

Although access to this page is not restricted, the information found here is intended for use by medical providers.

This page was written by Scott Moses, MD, last revised on 1/6/2012 and last published on 5/10/2012.

This is one of 5737 pages in the Family Practice Notebook