TYPES OF SPINAL CORD INJURY
Can cause tetraplegia (also called quadriplegia), meaning paralysis of all four limbs. The person may have weakness or paralysis in the arms and legs. Higher cervical injuries (like C1–C4) are the most severe. They can affect breathing (requiring a ventilator)and even heart rate and blood pressure control. For example, a C3 injury will result in paralysis from the neck down and often inability to breathe on one’s own. A C7 injury might leave arm function partly intact but paralyse the legs and trunk. Thoracic (upper/mid-back) injuries: Can cause paraplegia – paralysis of the legs and lower body. The arms and hands still work normally. Thoracic injuries (T1–T12) affect the chest/abdominal muscles and legs. The person may have trouble with balance or coughing and will have bowel, bladder, and sexual function affected. For example, a T6 injury paralyses the legs and lower trunk, but the person can use their arms and hands. Lumbar (lower back) injuries: Also result in paraplegia (legs and possibly part of the lower trunk are paralysed), but the upper body is fine. Lumbar nerves control signals to the hips, knees, ankles, and toes, as well as some bladder and bowel functions. A person with an L1 or L2 injury may need a wheelchair but also use leg braces or other aids if some leg muscle function remains. The sacral nerves (S1–S5, at the lower end of the spine) primarily affect bowel, bladder, and sexual function. Sacral injuries can cause weakness or loss of hip and leg function. Many sacral injuries result in less obvious mobility impairment. For instance, it might cause difficulty with foot movement but could also manifest as loss of bladder/bowel control and changes in sexual function.
CERVICAL (NECK) INJURIES:
THORACIC (UPPER/MID-BACK) INJURIES:
LUMBAR (LOWER BACK) INJURIES:
SACRAL INJURIES:
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UNDERSTANDING SPINAL CORD INJURY
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