Shock is a dangerous condition that can occur if the blood fails to circulate properly in the body. This condition is sometimes called circulatory shock. Shock can occur with any serious illness or injury. It can also be caused by emotional stress. Advanced stages of shock affect the vital functions of the body. These stages can be fatal.
A mild form of shock, called neurogenic shock, occurs when a person faints (see Fainting). More severe forms of shock progressively worsen if care is not provided. Many cases of the more severe forms of shock result from a sudden drop in the volume of blood circulating through the body, resulting in a drop in blood pressure. This can be caused by internal or external bleeding or by loss of fluid from burns or heat stroke. It can also result from various heart disorders or from blood clots that block circulation. In addition, violent allergic reactions and certain bacterial infections cause blood vessels to expand and so lead to shock.
When a person first goes into shock, he or she perspires heavily and may feel restless, nauseated, or anxious. In most cases, the heart beats faster and breathing becomes rapid and uneven. As shock worsens, the brain does not receive enough blood, causing a change in the level of consciousness. If unaided, a person in this condition loses consciousness and dies.
In most cases, a person in shock should be positioned onto the back with the legs raised slightly. An individual in shock caused by heart trouble or difficult breathing should have the head and shoulders elevated. The person giving aid should maintain the victim’s normal body temperature by keeping the victim warm with blankets if it is cool, or by providing shade and cooling the victim if it is hot. Professional medical personnel may provide the victim with fluids and take measures to restore normal blood pressure. A physician may administer drugs that regulate the size of the blood vessels, stimulate the heart, and fight infections or allergic reactions.
