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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
“Quadriplegia” or “Tetraplegia"
We get asked about this subject a lot, "What's the difference between quadriplegia and tetraplegia?"
Surprisingly, there isn’t any difference in meaning. Both words apply to paralysis of all four limbs. And both terms are used interchangeably these days.
The difference is in the derivation of the words. The word “Quadri” means four in Latin; the word “Plegia” means paralysis in Greek. So the roots of the word “quadriplegia” which means paralysis in all four limbs, come from both Latin and Greek. It combines two different languages.
The Greek word for four is “Tetra.” Combine that with “plegia” and you have a word with Greek roots for both halves. The British have always used the term “Tetraplegia” for four-limb paralysis, so they are not combining Latin and Greek words.
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Facing Disability Blog“Quadriplegia” or “Tetraplegia"
We get asked about this subject a lot, "What's the difference between quadriplegia and tetraplegia?" Surprisingly, there isn’t any difference in meaning. Both words apply to paralysis of all four limbs. And both terms are used interchangeably these days. The difference is in the derivation of the words. The word “Quadri” means four in Latin; the word “Plegia” means paralysis in Greek. So the roots of the word “quadriplegia” which means paralysis in all four limbs, come from both Latin and Greek. It combines two different languages. The Greek word for four is “Tetra.” Combine that with “plegia” and you have a word with Greek roots for both halves. The British have always used the term “Tetraplegia” for four-limb paralysis, so they are not combining Latin and Greek words. |
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