What is the neurological level of injury (not bony level)?
High Cervical Nerves - paralysis in arms, hands, trunk and leg (C1-C4)
Low Cervical Nerves - corresponding nerves control arms and hands (C5-T1)
Thoracic Vertebrae Nerves - located in the mid-back (T2-T10)
Lumbar Nerves - near the base of the spine (T11-L2)
Sacral Nerves - very end of the spinal column (L3-S5)
Which best describes the loss of function below the level of spinal cord injury? (Also known as the ASIA Grade)
Complete: This is the most severe level meaning there is no sensory or motor function below the level of the injury (ASIA A)
Sensory Incomplete There is sensory function but no motor function below the damaged area. This will also include some sensory function in the sacral area of the spine at S4 and S5 (ASIA B)
Motor Incomplete But Weak: There is observable motor function in more than half of muscles, however, they are weak and are not able to overcome gravity (ASIA C).
Motor Incomplete with Mild weakness: There is more motor function available, with more than half of the patient's muscles being able to move against gravity (ASIA D)
