RESOURCES
More than 600 of the best spinal cord
injury resources on the web
You are not alone
Coping with
Spinal Cord Injury
Coping with
Spinal Cord Injury
How to live with a spinal cord injury
Videos to help you now:
Medical Experts
People Living with SCI
Voices of Experience
New Video Series
New Video Series
FacingDisability.com connects families who suddenly have to deal with a spinal cord injury to people like them who have already been there.
REAL PEOPLE,
|
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
 |
WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY |
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
 |
ANIMATED SCI LEVELS CHARTMouse over the spinal column to see how the level of injury affects loss of function and control |
|
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
Disabled People Like Me Have Always Been Vulnerable To disease. Let Us Show You The Ropes.
By Ben Mattlin
I keep hearing about how disabled people are panicked over COVID-19. As a disabled person, I know this is true. But media reports are missing an important point about us.
The fear and outrage are real. I was born with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a neuromuscular weakness, and have never stood or walked. My respiratory muscles are so weak that the slightest cold could kill me. So my risk from this dread disease is enormous. What’s more, I don’t want my right to a ventilator to be rationed away to someone younger and healthier, and deemed more deserving.
Yet for many disabled people, a strong, stubborn vein of tenacity and even good humor runs through this wrenching sense of menace.
...
READ MORE
Facing Disability BlogDisabled People Like Me Have Always Been Vulnerable To disease. Let Us Show You The Ropes. |
 |
SIGN UP FOR
|