In assessment of spinal cord injury, the term 'spinal shock' refers to:

• A Hypotension due to vasodilation from sympathetic disruption (neurogenic shock)
• B Temporary cessation of all reflex activity below the level of injury, characterized by flaccid paralysis and areflexia, which resolves when the bulbocavernosus reflex returns ✓
• C Loss of consciousness following spinal trauma
• D Permanent paralysis below the level of injury

Explanation

Spinal shock is the transient physiological depression of all spinal cord function below the injury level — manifesting as flaccid paralysis, absent reflexes, urinary retention, and bowel paralysis — irrespective of whether the injury is complete or incomplete. Its resolution is heralded by the return of the bulbocavernosus reflex (BCR): perineal contraction in response to squeezing the glans penis or tugging a Foley catheter. After BCR returns, assessment of ASIA grading becomes reliable. Neurogenic shock (spinal shock of circulation) is a separate hemodynamic entity — cardiovascular instability from sympathetic disruption — not reflex loss.

Reference: Maheshwari Essential Orthopaedics, 6th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.