Neurogenic shock is caused by spinal injury leading to which physiological change?

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

Answer: (B)

Neurogenic shock occurs when spinal injury disrupts the sympathetic outflow that normally maintains vascular tone. Without that sympathetic input, blood vessels dilate (loss of vasoconstrictor tone), causing pooling of blood in the peripheral circulation, reduced venous return to the heart, and often lower cardiac output. The result is low blood pressure, and heart rate can be slowed due to unopposed parasympathetic activity. This differs from other shock types because the total blood volume is typically not reduced, but the distribution of blood is abnormal due to loss of vascular tone.