Spinal Cord Injury

What is a spinal cord injury?

A spinal cord injury is the result of damage to the spinal cord that causes a loss of function, movement, and/or sensation.  The specific muscles and functions that are affected depend on the exact level of the spinal cord that was damaged.

What causes a spinal cord injury?

There are 2 major causes of spinal cord injury:  trauma (falls, car accidents, violence, etc.) and disease (cancer, polio, spina bifida, etc.)

What is the difference between a complete spinal cord injury and an incomplete spinal cord injury?

A complete injury means that there is no movement or feeling below the level of the injury.  An incomplete injury means that there is some movement or feeling below the level of the injury.

What is paraplegia?

Paraplegia results from injuries to the middle and lower sections of the spinal cord.  People with paraplegia have lost the ability to fully use the lower half of their body, including their trunk and legs.

What is quadriplegia/tetraplegia?

Quadriplegia/tetraplegia results from injuries to the upper section of the spinal cord.  People with quadriplegia/tetraplegia have lost the full ability to use their arms, trunk, and legs.  People with quadriplegia/tetraplegia may also have difficulty using their breathing muscles and may need to use a ventilator.