Shock

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Shock

Definition

Shock is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body is not getting enough blood flow. This can damage multiple organs. Shock requires IMMEDIATE medical treatment and can get worse very rapidly.

Considerations

Major classes of shock include:

Cardiogenic shock (associated with heart problems)
Hypovolemic shock (caused by inadequate blood volume)
Anaphylactic shock (caused by allergic reaction)
Septic shock (associated with infections)
Neurogenic shock (caused by damage to the nervous system)

Causes

Shock can be caused by any condition that reduces blood flow, including:

Heart problems (such as heart attack or heart failure)
Low blood volume (as with heavy bleeding or dehydration)
Changes in blood vessels (as with infection or severe allergic reactions)

Shock is often associated with heavy external or internal bleeding from a serious injury. Spinal injuries can also cause shock.

Toxic shock syndrome is an example of a type of shock from an infection.

References

Marx JA, Hockberger RS, Walls RM, eds. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 5th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2002.

Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Textbook of Medicine.22nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders; 2004.


Shock

Review Date: 2/19/2008
Reviewed By: John E. Duldner, Jr., MD, MS, Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine, Director of Research, Department of Emergency Medicine, Akron General Medical Center and Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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