Spinal shock was first defined by Whytt in 1750 as a loss of sensation accompanied by motor paralysis with initial loss but gradual recovery of reflexes, following a spinal cord injury (SCI) – most often a complete transection. Reflexes in the spinal cord caudal to the SCI are depressed (hyporeflexia) or absent (areflexia), while those rostral to the SCI remain unaffected. Note that the 'shock' in spinal shock does not refer to circulatory collapse, and should not be confused with neurogenic shock, which is life threatening.
Read more about Spinal Shock: Phases of Spinal Shock, Autonomic Effects
Famous quotes containing the word shock:
“There are persons who, when they cease to shock us, cease to interest us.”
—F.H. (Francis Herbert)