Air Methods Critical Care 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Neurogenic shock is characterized by a disruption of the autonomic nervous system's ability to properly regulate vascular tone and heart rate due to spinal cord injury or dysfunction. One of the hallmark symptoms of neurogenic shock is bradycardia, or a slower than normal heart rate.

This occurs because, in neurogenic shock, there is a loss of sympathetic tone, which usually helps to increase the heart rate. The parasympathetic nervous system remains dominant, leading to decreased heart rate. Consequently, bradycardia can be observed in patients experiencing this type of shock.

Additionally, neurogenic shock often leads to hypotension rather than hypertension, as there is a reduction in vascular resistance due to the vasodilation that occurs when sympathetic control is lost. The vessels do not constrict as would be seen in other forms of shock. Thus, recognizing bradycardia as a common symptom of neurogenic shock is critical for effective assessment and management of affected patients.