Medical Shock
Medical Authors: John P. Cunha, DO
Medical Editor: William C. Shiel, Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
What is shock?
Shock is a life-threatening medical condition whereby the body suffers from
insufficient blood flow throughout the body. Shock often accompanies severe
injury or illness. Medical shock is a medical emergency and can lead to other
conditions such as lack of oxygen in the body's tissues (hypoxia), heart attack
(cardiac arrest) or organ damage. It requires immediate treatment as symptoms
can worsen rapidly.
Medical shock is different than emotional, or psychological, shock that can
occur following a traumatic or frightening emotional event.
What are the types of shock?
Septic shock results from bacteria multiplying in the blood and releasing
toxins. Common causes of this are pneumonia, intra-abdominal infections (such as
a ruptured appendix) and
meningitis.
Anaphylactic shock is a type of severe hypersensitivity or allergic reaction.
Causes include allergy to
insect stings, medicines or
foods (nuts, berries,
seafood) etc.
Cardiogenic shock happens when the heart is damaged and unable to supply
sufficient blood to the body. This can be the end result of a heart attack or
congestive heart failure.
Hypovolemic shock is caused by severe blood and fluid loss, such as from
traumatic bodily injury, which makes the heart unable to pump enough blood to
the body.
Neurogenic shock is caused by
spinal cord injury, usually as a result
of a traumatic accident or injury.
Next: What are the causes of shock? »
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