Various Types of Shock

Shock is a serious complication that results from a lack of blood or oxygen to certain portions of the body, such as the brain, lungs and heart. It is usually fatal if not treated within a short period of time. Common symptoms of shock include brain or organ damage, respiratory failure and permanent heart complications. There are several different types of shock.

Septic Shock

• Septic shock occurs when bacteria in the body multiply to unsafe levels and begin releasing toxins into the blood stream. This can result from bacterial infections like pneumonia and meningitis. Septic shock is accompanied by dangerously low blood pressure and interior inflammation, which may lead to organ damage. Symptoms associated with septic shock include lightheadedness, shortness of breath, palpitations, whitened extremities, chills, lethargy and agitation.

Anaphylactic Shock

• Anaphylactic shock is the result of a serious allergic reaction. Common causes are food allergens like peanuts and venom from bee stings. During the process of anaphylaxis, the body releases high levels of chemical combatants to fight the allergic reactions. These interfere with breathing by causing the airways to narrow. Symptoms include nausea, skin rash, weak pulse and vomiting.

Cardiogenic Shock

• Cardiogenic shock occurs when the heart is damaged and cannot provide sufficient blood to the body. This is most often the result of a severe heart attack. Cardiogenic shock is fatal if not treated immediately. Treatment usually involves emergency surgery, directing blood to the heart and restoring its ability to adequately pump blood. A device may also be placed in the body to take over the heart's job of pumping blood. Even with surgery, around 50% of people who suffer cardiogenic shock die from it.

Vasodilatory Shock

• Vasodilatory shock is caused by bacterial infection, allergic reaction or damage to the nervous system. It occurs when blood vessels relax to the point where they are no longer able to adequately maintain blood flow. The result is very low blood pressure. Severely low blood pressure results in an inadequate amount of blood being pumped to the internal organs. This may lead to organ damage.

Neurogenic Shock

• Neurogenic shock is caused by spinal cord injury. This most often occurs from severe trauma, such as a car accident or fall. It commonly results in low blood pressure, heat loss and warm, dry skin. Hypothermia may also occur after neurogenic shock because the body loses its ability to adequately siphon blood from the extremities back to the core.