Effects of spinal injury
The effect of a spinal cord injury depends on the type and level of the injury.
In a complete injury there is no function below the level of the injury. Voluntary movement and physical sensation is impossible. Both sides of the body will be affected equally.
In an incomplete injury some sensation is possible below the level of the injury. An individual may be able to move one limb more than another or may have sensation in parts of the body that cannot move.
Bowel and bladder function will often be affected as will sexual function. Involuntary functions such as breathing may be lost – leading to the need for mechanical ventilators.
Pinpointing the exact level of the injury on the spinal cord is vital when assessing what parts of the body may be affected by paralysis and loss of function.
Location of injury and resulting loss of function
Neck injuries usually result in full or partial tetraplegia or quadriplegia (paralysis of all 4 limbs). Some function may be possible depending on the exact location of the injury but normally there is complete paralysis.
- C-3 vertebrae and above: Lose of diaphragm function and a ventilator is required to breathe.
- C-4 vertebrae: some use of biceps and shoulders but weaker than C-5 and lower.
- C-5 vertebrae: may have use of shoulders and biceps but not of wrists or hands.
- C-6 vertebrae: some wrist control but loss of hand function.
- C-7 and T-1 vertebrae: can straighten arms but may have dexterity problems with hand and fingers.
Thoracic or chest injuries and below this level usually result in paraplegia (paralysis of legs only). The hands arms head and breathing are usually not affected.
- T-1 – T-8: often can control hands but lack of abdominal muscle control.
- T-9 – T-12: there is some trunk (body excluding head neck arms and legs) and abdominal muscle control.
Lumbar (lower back) and Sacral (lowest part of the spine)
- Injuries usually result in loss of control in the legs, hips and anus.
