What is spinal shock?
If the spinal cord is damaged suddenly by mechanical trauma, ischemia, or compression, spinal shock may occur.
This is a condition in which there is temporary loss of all spinal reflexes, motor activity, and sensation below the level of the lesion.
Flaccid paralysis, hyporeflexia, sensory loss, and loss of bladder tone are cardinal features.
There also may be autonomic dysfunction with diffuse sweating and hypotension.
Development of upper motor neuron signs may take several weeks.
