What is a primary factor of neurogenic shock?

Neurogenic shock occurs when there is a disruption in the autonomic pathways within the spinal cord, often as a result of a spinal cord injury. This type of shock is characterized by a loss of sympathetic tone, which leads to vasodilation and a subsequent drop in blood pressure. The injury can prevent the nervous system from properly regulating blood vessel tone, resulting in inadequate circulation and perfusion to the body.

In contrast, fluid overload relates more to conditions involving fluid balance rather than a direct problem with the nervous system. Vascular obstruction and metabolic dysfunction can contribute to other forms of shock but are not the primary mechanisms of neurogenic shock. Understanding that neurogenic shock is fundamentally tied to spinal cord injuries helps clarify its effects on the body's cardiovascular response.