SPINAL SHOCK-CLINICAL

SUMMARY

1. Spinal shock: temporary loss or depression of all spinal reflex activity below the NLI, although this may not occur in all patients.
2. Loss of motor function & sensation, muscles become flaccid & hyporeflexic; assoc. with atonic paralysis of the bladder & bowel.
3. Autonomic function below the NLI is also impaired.
4. Temporary loss of piloerection, sweating, and vasomotor tone below the NLI.

SIGNS
5. Delayed plantar response: first to return upon recovery.
6. Bulbocavernosus reflex: indicates UMN injury & that reflex innervation of bowel, bladder is intact. Returns within 24 hrs after injury, once spinal shock resolves.
7. Anal wink: similar to bulbocavernosus reflex.

Reference(s)

Cifu, D.X. (2020). Braddom’s physical medicine and rehabilitation. Elsevier. Get it on Amazon.
Cuccurullo, S. (2019). Physical medicine and rehabilitation board review. New York: Demosmedical. Get it on Amazon.
O’Young, B., Young, M.A. and Stiens, S.A. (2008). Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Secrets. Mosby. Get it on Amazon.