A loss of feeling in the lower part of the body below a point at which the spine has been injured.
Type of shock caused by a failure of the vascular system to respond to stimuli as a result of neurological damage to the spinal cord. Spinal shock occurs in response to neurological trauma. Symptoms include very low blood pressure and rapid heartbeat. Traumatic spinal shock is a medical emergency, and medical assistance must be sought. While awaiting medical assistance, the person should be kept lying down on his or her back, with the feet higher than the head, to maintain blood flow to the brain. Blankets should be used to keep the person warm.
Immediate flaccid paralysis and loss of all sensation and reflex activity below the level of injury in acute transverse spinal cord injury. Arterial hypotension may be present in this condition.