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WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY |
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ANIMATED SCI LEVELS CHARTMouse over the spinal column to see how the level of injury affects loss of function and control |
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Cervical InjuriesCervical injuries above the C-4 level may require a ventilator for the person to breathe. C-5 injuries often result in shoulder and biceps control, but no control at the wrist or hand. C-6 injuries generally yield wrist control, but no hand function. Individuals with C-7, C-8 and T-1 injuries can straighten their arms, but still may have problems with their hands. |
ANIMATED SCI LEVELS CHART
Mouse over the spinal column to see how the level of injury affects loss of function and control
Cervical Injuries
Cervical injuries above the C-4 level may require a ventilator for the person to breathe. C-5 injuries often result in shoulder and biceps control, but no control at the wrist or hand. C-6 injuries generally yield wrist control, but no hand function. Individuals with C-7, C-8 and T-1 injuries can straighten their arms, but still may have problems with their hands.
Thoracic Injuries
The first thoracic vertebra, T-1, is located approximately at the same level as the top rib. Injuries to nerves in this region usually affect the chest and the legs, and result in paraplegia. For injuries from T-1 to T-8, there is usually control of the hands but lack of abdominal muscle control. (Individuals with injuries from T-1 to T-6 are also at risk for Autonomic Dysreflexia)
Lumbar Injuries
Injuries to nerves in the area of L-1 to L-5 generally result in some loss of functioning of the hips and legs. Bowel, bladder and sexual function may also be impacted.
Sacral Injuries
The sacrum runs from the pelvis to the end of the spinal column. Injuries to nerves in this area generally result in some loss of functioning of the hips, legs, ankles, and feet. Loss of control of bowel and bladder and sexual functions is also common.
Facing Disability Blog
DISABILITY IN VOGUE? By Ben Mattlin
Recently, a Rutgers University study found that more than 10 percent of the nation's elected officials at the federal, state and local level has a disability. That doesn't necessarily mean people like me have unprecedented power yet—the number still lags the 15 percent disability rate for the overall adult population—but it's nearly 2 percentage points higher than the preceding survey four years earlier. That's progress, no matter how small. ...
READ MORE
Facing Disability BlogDISABILITY IN VOGUE? By Ben Mattlin
Recently, a Rutgers University study found that more than 10 percent of the nation's elected officials at the federal, state and local level has a disability. That doesn't necessarily mean people like me have unprecedented power yet—the number still lags the 15 percent disability rate for the overall adult population—but it's nearly 2 percentage points higher than the preceding survey four years earlier. That's progress, no matter how small. Read More |
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