Shock: Symptoms & Signs

Shock is the medical term for a condition in which the blood pressure drops to dangerously low levels, with risk of organ failure and death.

Signs and symptom of shock, in addition to low blood pressure, include

• cool, clammy skin,
• pale or ashen skin,
• a bluish tinge to lips or fingernails (cyanosis),
• rapid pulse,
• rapid breathing,
• nausea or vomiting,
• enlarged pupils,
• weakness or fatigue, and
• dizziness or fainting.

Other associated signs and symptoms can include changes in mental status or behavior, such as anxiousness or agitation, or loss of consciousness.

Causes of shock

Multiple conditions can cause shock, including trauma or injury with bleeding, severe infections (septic shock), spinal cord trauma, heart damage, or a severe allergic reaction (known as anaphylactic shock).

Other shock symptoms and signs

• Bluish Tinge to Lips or Fingernails (Cyanosis)
• Cool, Clammy Skin
• Dizziness or Fainting
• Enlarged Pupils
• Low Blood Pressure
• Nausea or Vomiting
• Pale or Ashen Skin
• Rapid Breathing
• Rapid Pulse
• Weakness or Fatigue

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SLIDESHOW

Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension): Symptoms, Signs, Causes See Slideshow