Which statement best describes spinal shock?

Which statement best describes spinal shock?

• A. Spinal shock is a temporary state that can last weeks, and once resolved, sensorimotor deficits do not return
• B. Spinal shock lasts forever
• C. Spinal shock does not affect reflexes
• D. Spinal shock only affects autonomic function

Answer: (A)

Spinal shock is a temporary suppression of reflexes and motor/sensory function below the level of a spinal cord injury. It typically lasts days to weeks. During this period, there is areflexia and flaccid weakness, and autonomic changes can occur. As the spinal cord recovers, reflexes return (often with later hyperreflexia and spasticity). Importantly, the loss of reflexes and function caused by the shock itself does not persist once the shock resolves; any ongoing sensorimotor deficits reflect the injury, not the transient shutdown. The other statements aren’t accurate because spinal shock is not permanent, it does affect reflexes, and it involves more than just autonomic function.

Spinal shock is a temporary suppression of reflexes and motor/sensory function below the level of a spinal cord injury. It typically lasts days to weeks. During this period, there is areflexia and flaccid weakness, and autonomic changes can occur. As the spinal cord recovers, reflexes return (often with later hyperreflexia and spasticity). Importantly, the loss of reflexes and function caused by the shock itself does not persist once the shock resolves; any ongoing sensorimotor deficits reflect the injury, not the transient shutdown. The other statements aren’t accurate because spinal shock is not permanent, it does affect reflexes, and it involves more than just autonomic function.