Acute injury to the spinal cord in humans, especially at the cervical level, results in severe hypotension and persistent bradycardia that are common components of the phenomenon known as neurogenic shock (1,2). This event is more profound and long lasting in humans after spinal cord injury (SCI) than in experimental animals (3). In addition to neurogenic shock, the acute phase of SCI is also associated with “spinal shock” (4,5). Some authors use these terms interchangeably; however, it is important to recognize that these are 2 clinically important and distinct conditions. Neurogenic shock is characterized by changes occurring in blood pressure control following SCI, whereas spinal shock is characterized by a marked reduction or abolition of sensory, motor, or reflex function of the spinal cord below the level of injury (4).