Neurogenic shock

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Neurogenic shock is shock caused by the sudden loss of the sympathetic 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 loss of PSN
• decreased cardiac output (with cervical or high thoracic injury)

Treatment of Neurogenic shock

• Vasopressors
• Atropine ( speeds up heart rate and Cardiac Output)

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