SPINAL SHOCK (WHAT IS IT )

 Updated 2/24

 Dear nurses,

Injury to the spinal column may not be easy to diagnose

 at the scene of the accident. The spinal column has a high
network of nerves which control blood pressure. 

 

Injury to the spinal cord will result in blood flow being affected

and ultimately a change in blood pressure. IV Fluid replacement
therapy and drugs such as Dopamine, may be necessary to correct
hypotension. IV Steriods may be ordered by the doctor, to decrease
swelling around the spinal cord and reduce further damage.

What is the vertebral column made of ? 

The  vertebral column is made up of :
7 cervical , 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar,
5 sacral and  4 coccyx [which are 
fused together] vertebrae.

Documentation and assessment of paralysis is
a nursing responsibility. 

To learn more about spinal cord injury and
assessment, please click on
the link: Defining dermatomes