We see patients with all levels of spinal injury. Spinal cord injury (SCI) is classified as a traumatic injury to the spinal cord. This results in a fracture or dislocation of the vertebrae. The result of this is bruising or tearing of the spinal cord tissue. It could be the nerves at the end of the spinal cord (cauda equina) are damaged. Spinal cord injuries cause permanent changes in strength, sensation and other body functions below the lever of the injury.

The severity of the injury is classified as either complete or incomplete.

Complete.

If all feeling (sensory) and all ability to control movement (motor function) are lost below the spinal cord injury, your injury is called complete.

Incomplete.

If you have some motor or sensory function below the affected area, your injury is called incomplete. There are varying degrees of incomplete injury. The spinal cord can still convey messages to or from the brain.

The other terms that may be referred to are Tetraplegia or Paraplegia.

Tetraplegia.

Also known as quadriplegia, this means your arms, hands, trunk, legs, and pelvic organs are all affected by your spinal injury.

Paraplegia.

This paralysis affects all or part of the trunk, legs and pelvic organs.

Whilst you have been in hospital the team will have performed a series of tests. These would determine the neurological level and completeness of your injury.

Spinal cord injuries may result from damage to the vertebrae, ligaments or disks of the spinal column or to the cord itself. A traumatic injury occurs from a sudden blow to your spine. This could fracture, dislocate, crush or compress one or more of your vertebrae. This could be from a gunshot or knife wound.

Non traumatic injury may be caused by arthritis, cancer, degeneration of the spine or infection.

The most common cause of spinal cord injuries is from road traffic accidents, either cars or motorcyclists. Other common causes are falls from a height or downstairs or even off a ladder.

We believe strong communication with your referring centre or hospital is key. Following a handover, we would carry out a detailed assessment. This ensures an accurate understanding of your clinical presentation is obtained. So allowing us to formulate a treatment plan, reassessment would occur. We are happy and used to working with case managers through insurance claims.

You can find more information on the Spinal Injuries Association website.

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