Shock is a life-threatening medical condition which arises as a result of 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 from emotional or psychological shock that can occur following a traumatic or frightening emotional event.
What are the 5 types of shock?
Septic shock
This results from bacteria multiplying in the blood and releasing toxins. Common causes of this are pneumonia, urinary tract infections, skin infections (cellulitis), intra-abdominal infections (such as a ruptured appendix), and meningitis.
Anaphylactic shock
This is a type of severe hypersensitivity or allergic reaction. Causes include allergy to insect stings, medicines, or foods (nuts, berries, and seafood), etc.
Cardiogenic shock
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
This type of 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, or severe anaemia where there is not enough blood to carry oxygen through the body.
Neurogenic shock
This is caused by spinal cord injury, usually as a result of a traumatic accident or injury.
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What are the 8 main causes of shock?
There are several main causes of shock:
- Heart conditions (heart attack, heart failure)
- Heavy internal or external bleeding, such as from a serious injury or rupture of a blood vessel
- Dehydration, especially when severe or related to heat illness.
- Infection (septic shock)
- Severe allergic reaction (anaphylactic shock)
- Spinal injuries (neurogenic shock)
- Burns
- Persistent vomiting or diarrhoea
What are the symptoms of shock?
Low blood pressure and rapid heart rate (tachycardia) are the key signs of shock. Symptoms of all types of shock include:
- Rapid, shallow breathing
- Cold, clammy skin
- Rapid, weak pulse
- Dizziness or fainting
- Weakness
Depending on the type of shock the following symptoms may also be observed:
- Eyes appear to stare
- Anxiety or agitation
- Seizures
- Confusion or unresponsiveness
- Low or no urine output
- Bluish lips and fingernails
- Sweating
- Chest pain
Shock facts
- Shock is a life-threatening medical condition and is a medical emergency. If shock is suspected call 911 or get to an emergency department immediately.
- The main symptom of shock is low blood pressure. Other symptoms include rapid, shallow breathing; cold, clammy skin; rapid, weak pulse; dizziness, fainting, or weakness.
- There are several types of shock: septic shock caused by bacteria, anaphylactic shock caused by hypersensitivity or allergic reaction, cardiogenic shock from heart damage, hypovolemic shock from blood or fluid loss, and neurogenic shock from spinal cord trauma.
- Treatment for shock depends on the cause. Tests will determine the cause and severity. Usually, IV fluids are administered in addition to medications that raise blood pressure.
What are the treatment methods?
- Septic shock is treated with antibiotics and fluids.
- Anaphylactic shock is treated with diphenhydramine (Benadryl), epinephrine (an “Epi-pen”), and steroid medications (solumedrol).
- Cardiogenic shock is treated by identifying and treating the underlying cause.
- Hypovolemic shock is treated with fluids (saline) in minor cases, and blood transfusions in severe cases.
- Neurogenic shock is the most difficult to treat as spinal cord damage is often irreversible. Immobilization, anti-inflammatories such as steroids and surgery are the main treatments.
- Shock prevention includes learning ways to prevent heart disease, injuries, dehydration, and other causes of shock.
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