In neurogenic shock (due to high thoracic/cervical spinal cord injury), the haemodynamic profile is best characterised by:

• A Hypotension, tachycardia, increased SVR
• B Hypotension, tachycardia, normal SVR with distributive picture
• C Hypertension, bradycardia — autonomic dysreflexia pattern
• D Hypotension, bradycardia, decreased SVR (warm shock) ✓

Explanation

Neurogenic shock results from loss of sympathetic tone below the level of spinal cord injury. The triad is: hypotension, bradycardia (loss of cardioaccelerator fibres T1–T4), and warm peripheries (vasodilation — decreased SVR). This differentiates it from hypovolaemic shock (tachycardia, vasoconstriction). Treatment includes judicious IV fluids, vasopressors (noradrenaline or phenylephrine), and atropine for bradycardia. Spinal shock (flaccid paralysis, areflexia) is a different entity and may coexist.

Reference: Bailey & Love's Short Practice of Surgery, 27th ed.

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.