Spinal cord

Question 1

What are the main causes of SCI?

Answer 1

Falls, sports, traffic accidents, collisions, lifting,

Question 2

What is a SCI?

Answer 2

Damage to any part of the spinal cord or nerves at the end of the cauda equina — often causes permanent changes in strength, sensation and other body functions below the site of the injury.

Question 3

What is tetraplegia?

Answer 3

Impairment/loss of motor and/or sensory function in cervical region due to SCI

Question 4

What is effected with tetraplegia?

Answer 4

Arms, trunk, legs and pelvic organs (excludes brachial plexus)

Question 5

What is another name for tetraplegia?

Answer 5

Quadriplegia

Question 6

What is paraplegia?

Answer 6

Impairment/loss of motor and/or sensory function in the thoracic, lumbar or sacral segments due to SCI

Question 7

What areas are effected with paraplegia?

Answer 7

Trunk, pelvic organs and legs (arms are spared), includes the conus medullaris, cauda equina injuries but not lumbosacral injuries

Question 8

What functions are lost with SCI?

Answer 8

Mobility, sensation, breathing problems, abnormal sensations (pain), spasticity, autonomic, sexual and bowel function