Spinal shock is characterized by which of the following?

• A. Hyperactive deep tendon reflexes below injury
• B. Loss of deep tendon and sphincter reflexes, loss of sensation, and flaccid paralysis below the level of injury
• C. Rapid recovery within hours
• D. Increased sensitivity to pain below injury

Answer: (B)

Spinal shock is a temporary suppression of reflex activity and motor function below the level of injury right after the trauma. Because the spinal pathways that mediate reflexes, movement, and autonomic control are abruptly disrupted, deep tendon reflexes are lost or greatly reduced, the muscles become flaccid, bowel and bladder reflexes are lost, and sensation below the injury can be diminished. This phase isn’t permanent; over days to weeks the reflexes often return and spasticity may develop as the nervous system recalibrates. The other statements don’t fit: reflexes below the injury are not hyperactive during spinal shock, recovery within hours is too rapid, and increased pain sensitivity isn’t the defining feature.