Neurogenic Shock
| Overview |
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| Etiologies |
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- Neurogenic Shock may be induced by certain high level spinal cord injuries or severe head trauma.
| Pathophysiology |
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- Neurogenic shock occurs when there is a catastrophic interruption in peripheral SNS vasomotor tone and thus disruption of normal processes of Systemic Arterial Pressure - Autonomic Control and autonomic cardiac regulation. This causes inappropriate systemic vasodilation and thus reduced systemic vascular resistance as well as venodilation and thus reduced venous return and consequently cardiac preload. Sadly, ablated SNS tone to the heart also prevents compensatory increases in heart rate and contractility. The end result of neurogenic shock is systemic hypoperfusion and ultimately multi-organ failure.