Which sign indicates that a patient is in spinal shock?

• A. Muscle flaccidity
• B. Muscle rigidity
• C. Hyperactive reflexes
• D. Loss of consciousness

Answer: (A)

Muscle flaccidity is a hallmark sign of spinal shock, which occurs following a spinal cord injury. During spinal shock, there is an immediate and temporary loss of motor function, sensation, and reflexes below the level of the injury. This state is characterized by a reduction or absence of muscle tone, leading to flaccid paralysis. The lack of tone is due to the disruption of communication between the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system.

In contrast, muscle rigidity, hyperactive reflexes, and loss of consciousness do not represent spinal shock. Muscle rigidity may occur with conditions such as tetanus or certain neurological disorders, but it is not associated with spinal shock. Hyperactive reflexes can indicate the return of reflexes following spinal shock, leading to conditions such as spasticity, which happens after the initial phase of spinal shock has resolved. Loss of consciousness is also not a direct symptom of spinal shock; rather, it may relate to other medical conditions or complications. Thus, the presence of muscle flaccidity clearly points to the condition of spinal shock in a patient.