Important Principals

Question 1

What can cause damage to spinal cord/nerve roots?

Answer 1

• Contusion
• Compression
• Stretch
• Laceration

Question 2

What is spinal shock?

Answer 2

Physiological response to injury with complete loss of sensation & motor function and loss of reflexes below the level of injury

Question 3

What is bulbocavernous reflex?

Answer 3

Reflex contraction of anal sphincter with either:

• Squeezing of the gland penis
• Tapping of the mon pubis
• Pulling on a urethral cathetar

Question 4

What is absent in spinal shock?

Answer 4

Bulbocavernous reflex 
(however it returns in the end/resolves within 24hours)

Question 5

What is neurogenic shock secondary to?

Answer 5

Secondary to temporary shutdown of sympathetic outflow from T1-L2

Question 6

What can neurogenic shock cause?

Answer 6

• Hypotension
• Bradycardia
• Priapism from unopposed PSN

Question 7

How long does neurogenic shock last?

Answer 7

24-48 hours

Question 8

Treatment of neurogenic shock?

Answer 8

IV fluid therapy

Question 9

What must neurogenic shock be differentiated from?

Answer 9

Other shock such as hypovolaemic

Question 10

Management of neurogenic shock?

Answer 10

Full ATLS primary survey with resuscitation & protection of cervical thoracolumbar spine
-Adequate resuscitation

Question 11

Treatment of Neurogenic shock?

Answer 11

Preventing further damage and complications of paralysis