A sudden traumatic complete transection of the spinal cord results in what type of injury below the site?

Question

A) Flaccid paralysis
B) Vasoconstriction
C) Deep visceral pain
D) 3+ tendon reflexes

Answer 1

Ans: A
Feedback:
Sudden complete transection of the spinal cord results in complete loss of motor, sensory, reflex, and autonomic function below the level of injury. This immediate response to spinal cord injury, spinal cord shock, is characterized by flaccid paralysis with loss of tendon reflexes below the level of injury, absence of somatic and visceral sensations below the level of injury, and loss of bowel and bladder function. Loss of systemic sympathetic vasomotor tone may result in vasodilation, increased venous capacity, and hypotension. These manifestations occur regardless of whether the level of the lesion eventually will produce spastic or flaccid paralysis. In persons in whom the loss of reflexes persists, hypotension and bradycardia may become critical but manageable problems. In general, the higher the level of injury, the greater is the effect.