Erections are caused by your body relaxing some muscles to allow bloow to flow in to the penis, so afaik a lot of conditions that can cause paralysis can result in erection. It's one of the reasons you check for an erection if someone is unconscious and you suspect they got hit in the head - If they're unconscious and they have an erection the chance of a spinal cord injury is very high.

[–] President_Obama@hexbear.net 13 points 2 years ago (2 children)

Yup, always jerk em off a little. That way, when the EMTs arrive, you can tell them you "did the penis check" and they'll be overjoyed you spared them the trouble.

[–] jonne 8 points 2 years ago

Yep, I do the same on the bus. Unfortunately there's a lack of awareness.

[–] Frank@hexbear.net 7 points 2 years ago

I know it's kind of weird but it really is an important diagnostic tool for rapidly assessing a potential spinal injury. Importantly, it's something you can observe even if the victim is unconscious and unable to report numbness or inability to move.

[–] President_Obama@hexbear.net 11 points 2 years ago (1 children)

Wait a second, "one of the reasons"?

[–] Frank@hexbear.net 10 points 2 years ago

Maybe not the right choice of words on my part.