When shock occurs, there are many symptoms that may show that the victim is experiencing shock. Only one of the following symptoms may happen to a shock victim, or the victim could experience several symptoms. And depending on the type of shock, there are many different symptoms a victim could experience. When a doctor diagnoses shock, he relies largely on the symptoms that are being displayed by the victim.
Anxiety, Altered Mental State, Confusion, or Restlessness
These symptoms of the brain are due to decreased brain function because of the less oxygen to the brain tissues.
Hypotension
Hypotension is due to weak circulation.
Cool or Clammy Skin
Skin that is unusually cool or clammy happens when the blood vessels constrict and less blood is flowing throughout the body.
Hypothermia
Hypothermia happens due to the evaporation of excess sweating and the body becomes extremely chilled.
Blue Lips or Fingernails or Mottled Skin
These physical symptoms are due to the decreased blood flow throughout the body.
Extreme sweating or damp skin
Rapid, Weak Pulse and Shallow Breathing
A rapid, weak pulse and shallow breathes are due to decreased blood flow and oxygen throughout the body.
Extreme thirst or mouth dryness
Extreme thirst is caused by the depletion of fluids in the victim’s body.
Fatigue, tiredness, dizziness, or faintness
Fatigue, tiredness, dizziness, and faintness are all due to an inadequate supply of oxygen to the brain.
Distended Jugular Veins
When the jugular veins are larger the usual and extended, it is due to the pressure on the veins and the throat due to inadequate oxygen supply.
Breathlessness and Cough
When a victim who is experiencing shock is breathless and coughs an excessive amount, it is due to the closing of airways and the swelling of the throat.
A doctor or other emergency medical helper relies on these main symptoms when diagnosing whether someone is suffering from shock. Also, in order to diagnose shock, blood pressure is checked. An extreme drop in blood pressure may be indicitive of a shock, as well as a concentration of carbon dioxide in the blood. If a victim has a very low amount of urine, he may be experiencing shock as well. Other tests may be performed as needed to decide whether someone is experiencing shock.
Several different types of shock could be diagnosed. Depending on the symptoms, a doctor may be able to tell what particular kind of shock a person is suffering from.
Hypovolaemic shock: This is the most common type of shock. It happens when there is a loss of fluid either an internal source, like a hemorrhage, or an external cause, such as severe burns or extensive bleeding.
Cardiogenic shock: This type of shock is caused by when the heart fails to pump efficiently. This can happen when the heart is damaged or when there are problems with the cardiac valves getting enough blood to and from the heart.
Distributive shock: This type of shock occurs when there is not enough blood being pumped through the body when blood vessels shrink. There are also several different kinds of distributive shock.
Septic shock: Septic shock occurs because of an infection in the body, particularly due to baterial toxins or certain fungi.
Anaphylactic shock: This is caused by a severe reaction to something that the shock victim is allergic to or to a drug.
Neurogenic shock: This type of shock is the rarest form of shock. It is caused by injury to the spinal cord causing a loss of physical mobility. The loss of stimulation causes the vessel walls to relax and decreased oxygen flow.
Obstructive shock: This shock is when the flow of blood is obstructed, which causes circulation to be inadequate.
Endocrine shock: This type of shock was just recently introduced. It occurs when there is a problem with the hormones in the blood.