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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
"Mother Nature Wants to Kill You"
Editor’s Note:
At a time when all of us are tired, stressed and just plain bored with COVID-19 and all the precautions that go along with it, it’s important for people with disabilities to remember one of the most important aspects of this virus: This is no time to let your guard down. The late Jeff Shannon, who wrote a monthly column for FacingDisability.com, had the right idea when he said, “…if we want to stop Mother Nature from killing us, we have to take full responsibility for optimizing our health.” Though he wrote this many years before anyone ever dreamed a pandemic could threaten our world, we think the sentiments he expressed then are especially important today.
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Facing Disability Blog"Mother Nature Wants to Kill You"
Editor’s Note: At a time when all of us are tired, stressed and just plain bored with COVID-19 and all the precautions that go along with it, it’s important for people with disabilities to remember one of the most important aspects of this virus: This is no time to let your guard down. The late Jeff Shannon, who wrote a monthly column for FacingDisability.com, had the right idea when he said, “…if we want to stop Mother Nature from killing us, we have to take full responsibility for optimizing our health.” Though he wrote this many years before anyone ever dreamed a pandemic could threaten our world, we think the sentiments he expressed then are especially important today. |
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