What kind of dysfunction is commonly present in spinal shock?

Bladder dysfunction is commonly present in spinal shock due to the disruption of neural pathways that control bladder function. Spinal shock occurs following a spinal cord injury and leads to a temporary loss of all neurological activity below the level of the injury. As a result, there is an interruption in the signals that regulate bladder control, including the ability to sense fullness and initiate urination.

Patients may experience urinary retention or incontinence as a consequence of this disruption. It is important to manage bladder dysfunction appropriately in these patients to prevent complications like urinary tract infections and kidney damage. Understanding this aspect of spinal shock is crucial for effective patient care and rehabilitation.

The other options, while they may relate to neurological conditions, do not directly reflect the primary physiological changes seen in spinal shock. Visual disturbances, hearing loss, and dermatologic reactions are not hallmark signs of spinal shock and are less likely to be a direct consequence of the spinal cord injury affecting bladder control.