Car accidents are a regular occurrence on Florida roads, and many people suffer injuries as a result of crashes. Neurogenic shock is one of the most serious injuries that might occur.
What is neurogenic shock?
Neurogenic shock is a serious medical condition that comes as a result of trauma to the spine such as can occur in a car crash. It’s a life-threatening injury that causes inadequate blood circulation throughout the body. It can lead to a person’s blood pressure suddenly plummeting and cause permanent damage to the tissues in the body. Neurogenic shock requires immediate medical treatment.
The condition is often caused by catastrophic car accidents, but it can also come about as a result of any serious trauma or injury to the spinal cord. Violence, sports injuries and even certain medications or improper administration of anesthesia can cause neurogenic shock.
Irregular blood circulation that results in low blood pressure is the chief symptom of neurogenic shock. However, it can cause these additional symptoms:
- Anxiety
- Blank stare
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Increased sweating
- Nausea
- Paleness of the skin
- Vomiting
There are much more severe side effects that can occur if the condition is left untreated. A person has a much higher risk of dying if they aren’t treated quickly when suffering neurogenic shock.
How is neurogenic treated?
Doctors stabilize the patient when treating neurogenic shock and provide intravenous fluids to help their blood pressure. Certain medications may be administered if the individual’s blood pressure is too low, such as norepinephrine or epinephrine. Atropine, a medication to normalize the heartbeat, may also be given if the person’s heart rate is too slow.
If you have suffered neurogenic shock after a car accident, it’s likely that you incurred significant medical expenses and other damages. You may want to hold the at-fault driver accountable for your losses.