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Types of Shocks

Shock is a life threatening condition which can be treated through early recognition and advanced medical care. Shock occurs when the tissues do not receive enough oxygen allowing cells to function.

  1. Anaphylaxis

    • Anaphylaxis is a type of shock brought on by a severe allergic reaction. Most often, anaphylaxis is caused by ingested, injected or inhaled substances introduced to the blood stream.

    Trauma

    • Persons suffering from severe injuries will experience traumatic shock. Serious injuries to the airway, pneumothorax, heart, spinal cord and poisoning or sepsis will cause traumatic shock.

    Hypovolemic

    • Hypovolemic shock occurs dehydration leaves too little water in the blood. The heart compensates for lost fluid by circulating the remaining blood faster. As the body continues to lose fluids, the entire system fails resulting in hypovolemic shock.

    Hemorrhagic

    • Hemorrhagic shock occurs when the body loses a significant amount of blood in a very short time. This type of shock is associated with severe bleeding injuries and internal bleeding.

    Cardiogenic

    • Cardiogenic shock occurs when the heart loses its ability to circulate blood throughout the body. This type of shock is attributed to blood pressure that drops quickly.

    Neurogenic

    • Neurogenic shock is attributed to brain and spinal cord injuries which affects the ability of the sympathetic trunk to function. When this system fails, blood vessels will dilate and draw blood away from the heart without effecting blood pressure.

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