Shock
|
| Definition |
Shock is the slowing of blood flow
to the vital organs (brain, lungs, heart, kidneys and others). Shock
occurs when blood pressure and flow are not strong enough to force
blood through to the vital organs.
|
| Causes |
There are many forms and causes of
shock. The most common ones are a weak heart, too little blood or a
severe infection.
|
| Treatment |
Treatment depends on the cause of
shock but usually is aimed at restoring blood pressure.
|
| Comments |
Shock is very dangerous. Many
patients die each year from the complications of shock. The clinical
term is as defined above and differs from common, non-medical usage
of the term "shock". For example, when a person is unexpectedly
given tragic news, such as the death of a loved one, we often say
that person "is in a state of shock." This state of mental anguish,
disbelief and temporary confusion is very different and much less
serious than the medical definition of shock.
|
| Related
Links |
National Library of Medicine
The National Library of Medicine website provides extensive
information regarding the shock patient.
eMedicine
The eMedicine.com site is a technical site developed for the health
care professional and has extensive information on hypovolemic shock
and numerous other medical conditions.
eMedicine
The eMedicine.com site is a technical site developed for the health
care professional and has extensive information on septic shock and
numerous other medical conditions.
|
ICU Medical Conditions 
