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Despite this patient having signs of a spinal cord transection, initial management must be directed towards correction of hypovolaemia. The tachycardia is characteristic of a low circulating volume, while neurogenic shock is usually manifested by hypotension and bradycardia. Until both external and internal causes of haemorrhage have been excluded, treatment with intravenous fluid therapy is indicated.
Spinal shock is a neurological syndrome not associated with cardiovascular physiological changes of itself. It describes a complete loss of neuronal activity in the spinal cord, leading to flaccid paralysis, loss of sensation and areflexia. Neurogenic shock (due to loss of sympathetic outflow from the spinal cord) may co-exist with spinal shock. |
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