weakness in the legs and cause some loss of body function in the lower extremities. Cervical Spinal Cord Injury An injury of the cervical spinal cord (levels C1-C8, located in the top section of the spinal cord) causes quadriplegia (also called tetraplegia), which refers to paralysis or weakness in both arms and legs. All parts of
Typically the higher the spinal cord injury, the more effect it has on the body’s central nervous system.
the body located below the neck may be affected. Involuntary functioning, such as breathing, regulating body temperature, and sweating may be impaired, necessitating a respirator and other mechanical devices. A person with quadriplegia may not be able to sense touch (or other sensations) may lose bladder and bowel control, and may experience sexual dysfunction. Thoracic Spinal Cord Injury An injury of the thoracic spinal cord (levels T1-T12, located in the middle section of the spinal cord) causes paraplegia, which means paralysis or weakness in the legs. Depending upon where the injury is located on the thoracic spinal cord, an individual with this level of SCI may also experience weakness in their torso, although will generally possess good control of their hands. These injuries may also result in loss of sensation, loss of bladder and bowel control, as well as sexual dysfunction. Due to the rib cage, thoracic spinal cord injuries occur less often, as the rib cage offers protection from such injuries. Lumbar Spinal Cord Injury An injury of the lumbar or sacral spinal cord (L1-L5, located in the lower section of the spinal cord) causes paraplegia, again referring to paralysis or weakness of the legs. Because of the lower location of this injury, upper body functions are usually not affected. However, a person with a lumbar SCI may experience the loss of many sensory functions associated with thoracic spinal cord injuries. Sacral Spinal Cord Injury An injury of the sacral spinal cord (S1-S4, located at the bottom of the spinal cord) is rare and generally causes loss of bladder and bowel function as well as sexual dysfunction. Some sacral injuries can result in weakness or paralysis of the hips and legs.
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