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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
Two New Resources For Spinal Cord Injury
Editor's Note:
Our comprehensive collection of Spinal Cord Injury Resources is growing. Here are two recent additions: from the National Paralysis Resource Center (NPRC) and from the Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center (MSKTC). They are especially helpful for people with new injuries and members of their families.
1. Underserved Communities Living With Disabilities
The National Paralysis Resource Center (NPRC) recently published a new series of resources for the underserved communities living with disabilities, including African Americans, Hispanics, American Indians and Native Alaskans, and Pacific Islander/Native Hawaiians. Each page provides links to federal and local disability initiatives alongside information about non-profit organizations and advocacy efforts that support specific minority groups. ...
Read More About New SCI Resources
Facing Disability BlogTwo New Resources For Spinal Cord InjuryEditor's Note: Our comprehensive collection of Spinal Cord Injury Resources is growing. Here are two recent additions: from the National Paralysis Resource Center (NPRC) and from the Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center (MSKTC). They are especially helpful for people with new injuries and members of their families. 1. Underserved Communities Living With Disabilities The National Paralysis Resource Center (NPRC) recently published a new series of resources for the underserved communities living with disabilities, including African Americans, Hispanics, American Indians and Native Alaskans, and Pacific Islander/Native Hawaiians. Each page provides links to federal and local disability initiatives alongside information about non-profit organizations and advocacy efforts that support specific minority groups. Read More About New SCI Resources |
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FacingDisability presents current information on spinal cord injury which has been developed by working with medical experts at major hospitals universities and rehabilitation institutions. They include: Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Chicago; Harvard Spaulding Medical Center, Boston; Shepherd Center, Atlanta; Craig Hospital, Denver; Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN. FacingDisability staff members serve on committees of the Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center (MSKTC) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and The National Institute on Disability and Independent Living (NIDLRR). Spinal cord injury medical experts who are interviewed on FacingDisability.com come from: Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Chicago; Craig Hospital, Denver; Shepherd Center, Atlanta; Magee Rehabilitation Hospital, Philadelphia; Shriners Hospital for Children, Chicago; TIRR Memorial Hermann, Houston; VA Palo Alto Health Care System, CA; Memphis VA Medical Center, TN; University of Michigan, Ann Arbor; MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital, Washington, D.C.; |
VA Boston Healthcare System; Rehabilitation Institute of Kansas City, Missouri; Case Western University, Cleveland; Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center, Milwaukee; Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia; Arkansas Spinal Cord Injury Commission, Little Rock; VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle; School of Public Health, Indiana University. Personal interviews of people living with spinal cord injury were recorded by FacingDisability in Chicago, Philadelphia, Atlanta, New Orleans, and California. FacingDisability is regularly invited to make presentations at the national meetings of spinal cord injury associations: Academy of Spinal Cord Injury Professionals (ASCIP), American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA), Rehabilitation Psychology Conference, The International Spinal Cord Injury Society (ISCoS), American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine (ACRM) and at the Paralyzed Veterans of America Summit (PVA). FacingDisability.com is funded by the Hill Foundation, a 501(c) (3) non-profit. |