Which shock occurs after spinal cord injury due to loss of sympathetic nerve function that maintains vascular tone?

• A. Hypovolemic Shock
• B. Neurogenic Shock
• C. Burn Shock
• D. Anaphylactic Shock

Answer: (B)

The key idea is that spinal cord injury can interrupt the sympathetic nerves that keep blood vessels contracted. Without that sympathetic input, the vessels dilate and systemic vascular resistance falls, producing hypotension. Because the heart loses some sympathetic drive as well, the pulse may be slow or normal rather than fast. This combination—vasodilation, low blood pressure, and sometimes bradycardia—is neurogenic shock.

This form of shock is distinct from others. Hypovolemic shock results from actual fluid or blood loss and typically features tachycardia with cool, clammy skin. Anaphylactic shock involves widespread vasodilation plus bronchospasm and airway symptoms. Burn shock centers on fluid loss from severe burns. So the scenario described after a spinal cord injury matches neurogenic shock, due to loss of sympathetic vascular tone.