Health Encyclopedia

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.

Symptoms

A person in shock has extremely low blood pressure. Depending on the specific cause and type of shock, symptoms will include one or more of the following:

Anxiety or agitation
Confusion
Pale, cool, clammy skin
Low or no urine output
Bluish lips and fingernails
Dizziness, light-headedness, or faintness
Profuse sweating, moist skin
Rapid but weak pulse
Shallow breathing
Chest pain
Unconsciousness

First Aid

Call 911 for immediate medical help.
Check the person's airways, breathing, and circulation. If necessary, begin rescue breathing and CPR.
Even if the person is able to breathe on his or her own, continue to check rate of breathing at least every 5 minutes until help arrives.
If the person is conscious and does NOT have an injury to the head, leg, neck, or spine, place the person in the shock position. Lay the person on the back and elevate the legs about 12 inches. Do NOT elevate the head. If raising the legs will cause pain or potential harm, leave the person lying flat.
Give appropriate first aid for any wounds, injuries, or illnesses.
Keep the person warm and comfortable. Loosen tight clothing.

IF THE PERSON VOMITS OR DROOLS

Turn the head to one side so he or she will not choke. Do this as long as there is no suspicion of spinal injury.
If a spinal injury is suspected, "log roll" him or her instead. Keep the person's head, neck, and back in line, and roll him or her as a unit.

Do Not

Do NOT give the person anything by mouth, including anything to eat or drink.
Do NOT move the person with a known or suspected spinal injury.
Do NOT wait for milder shock symptoms to worsen before calling for emergency medical help.

Call immediately for emergency medical assistance if

Call 911 any time a person has symptoms of shock. Stay with the person and follow the first aid steps until medical help arrives.

Prevention

Learn ways to prevent heart disease, falls, injuries, dehydration, and other causes of shock. If you have a known allergy (for example, to insect bites or stings), carry an epinephrine pen. Your doctor will teach you how and when to use it.

Once someone is already in shock, the sooner shock is treated, the less damage there may be to the person's vital organs (like the kidney, liver, and brain). Early first aid and emergency medical help can save a life.

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 Medicine.23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders; 2004.

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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