Which finding is commonly observed in acute spinal shock?

Which finding is commonly observed in acute spinal shock?

• A. Hypertension
• B. Bradycardia
• C. Spastic paralysis
• D. Urinary retention

Answer: (B)

In acute spinal shock, there’s a sudden loss of sympathetic nervous system output below the level of injury. That loss leaves the heart under unopposed parasympathetic (vagal) influence, so the heart rate drops—bradycardia is a common, hallmark finding. The same autonomic disruption also tends to cause hypotension from vasodilation, another feature of the acute phase. Spastic paralysis isn’t immediate in this state; the initial phase shows flaccid paralysis with areflexia, and spasticity usually develops later as spinal shock resolves. Urinary retention can occur due to loss of bladder reflexes, but bradycardia best reflects the acute autonomic imbalance after injury. Hypertension would be unlikely because the sympathetic drive is diminished.

In acute spinal shock, there’s a sudden loss of sympathetic nervous system output below the level of injury. That loss leaves the heart under unopposed parasympathetic (vagal) influence, so the heart rate drops—bradycardia is a common, hallmark finding. The same autonomic disruption also tends to cause hypotension from vasodilation, another feature of the acute phase.

Spastic paralysis isn’t immediate in this state; the initial phase shows flaccid paralysis with areflexia, and spasticity usually develops later as spinal shock resolves. Urinary retention can occur due to loss of bladder reflexes, but bradycardia best reflects the acute autonomic imbalance after injury. Hypertension would be unlikely because the sympathetic drive is diminished.