A 42-year-old male is struck by a vehicle while cycling. He has a suspected unstable thoracic spine fracture with paraplegia below T6. His blood press...

Question

A 42-year-old male is struck by a vehicle while cycling. He has a suspected unstable thoracic spine fracture with paraplegia below T6. His blood pressure is 80/50 mmHg and heart rate is 55 bpm. He has no evidence of external haemorrhage. What type of shock is this and what is the key distinguishing haemodynamic feature compared to haemorrhagic shock?

Accepted Answer

Neurogenic shock - the key feature is hypotension with bradycardia (rather than tachycardia as in haemorrhagic shock)

Answer

Cardiogenic shock - direct cardiac injury from the impact

Answer

Septic shock - early post-traumatic infection

Answer

Hypovolaemic shock - occult bleeding from the spinal fracture

Answer

Obstructive shock - concurrent tension pneumothorax

uk-dipimc MCQ (SBA): Neurogenic vs Haemorrhagic Shock