It may happen that the circulation of blood through the body undergoes a sudden change giving rise to a condition of physiological shock, with decreased flow and crisis on the part of vital organs.
Shock can be classified according to its main cause:
- Cardiogenic shock: if due to cardiac dysfunction the heart does not pump enough blood to flush the body and organs, thus creating the conditions for shock.
- Septic shock: if caused by a bacterial infection.
- Anaphylactic shock: caused by an allergic reaction to food, drugs or insect stings.
- Neurogenic shock: caused by trauma or injury to the spinal cord.
- Hypovolemic shock: caused by substantial loss of body fluids.