Traumatic shock: features, symptoms, treatment and prevention
Traumatic shock is a general severe reaction of the body to massive tissue injury and blood loss. This condition can occur with severe closed and open fractures, injuries to internal organs, as well as with extensive wounds. The main factors leading to the development of shock are trauma to elements of the nervous system, blood loss and intoxication, which lead to hemodynamic disorders, a decrease in circulating blood volume and hypoxia of peripheral tissues.
Symptoms of traumatic shock can appear in different stages. Immediately after the injury, a short-term erectile phase of shock usually occurs, which is accompanied by motor and speech excitation, and often an increase in blood pressure. Then there is a torpid phase, which can be of varying degrees of severity. It is characterized by pallor of the skin and visible mucous membranes, weakness, frequent weak pulse and decreased blood pressure.
In case of severe injuries accompanied by profuse bleeding, in the absence of medical care, rapid death can occur. In some cases (if immobilization of the limbs is impaired or massive bleeding resumes), late shock may develop, which occurs 2-4 hours after the injury. Complications of traumatic shock may include the stage of irreversible shock with delayed or irrational treatment, pulmonary edema, cerebral edema, cardiac arrest and acute renal failure.
Treatment of traumatic shock should begin with first aid. It includes emptying the airways of contents, temporarily stopping bleeding, intravenous transfusion of plasma substitutes, local anesthesia of fracture zones, application of transport splints and emergency transportation to the hospital in a lying position. Drugs should not be administered until abdominal injury has been ruled out.
The prognosis of traumatic shock depends on many factors, but with a decrease in systolic pressure to 60 mm Hg. Art. and below for 2-3 hours this condition is serious.
Prevention of traumatic shock consists of early and careful hospitalization for severe injuries without shock, early control of bleeding and local anesthesia of the fracture area. However, in the event of traumatic shock, it is necessary to quickly and effectively provide first aid and promptly seek medical help.
Overall, traumatic shock is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. However, compliance with preventive measures and proper first aid can significantly reduce the risk of developing traumatic shock and increase the chances of full recovery from injury. Therefore, if an injury occurs, it is necessary to immediately seek medical help and follow the recommendations of doctors in order to avoid serious complications and ensure a quick and complete recovery.