Spinal Cord Injuries (Location's Effects)

Question 1

C3 & Above

Answer 1

• Unable to care for self
• Life-sustaining ventilator support is essential
• Usually FATAL

Question 2

C4

Answer 2

• Where major innervation to diaphragm occurs

- Mechanical breathing support may be necessary

Question 3

at C6

Answer 3

• Possible movt. in shoulder & decreased resp. reserve
• May use LW wheelchair, transfers 2/from chair&bed
• Feed self w/ devices, write & care for self

Question 4

at C7

Answer 4

• Can dress legs, minimal assistance needed

- Independent wheelchair use, can drive w/ hand controls

Question 5

T1-T4

Answer 5

• Some indepedence from wheelchair

- Long-leg braces for standing exercises

Question 6

above T6

Answer 6

• Loss of movt. of chest, trunk, bowel, bladder, & legs may occur, depends of level of injury
• Autonomic dysreflexia may occur above T6

Question 7

L3-L4

Answer 7

• Loss of movt. & sensation of LEs may occur

- May use crutches or canes for ambulation

Question 8

S2-S4

Answer 8

• Injuries damage sympathetic & parasympathetic response- preventing erection or ejaculation
• above S2; men can have erection but unable to ejaculate
• S2 & S3: bladder can contract but not empty (neurogenic bladder)