Our bodies are incredible and complex systems, with the spinal cord playing a vital role in how we move and feel. But what happens when the spinal cord gets injured? A spinal cord injury can happen in an instant and can change a person's life in many ways. Dr Parag Sancheti, Orthopaedic surgeon, Chairman, Sancheti Hospital, explained the types and levels of spinal cord injuries.
Dr Sancheti said, “Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI) are serious medical conditions that can have a significant impact on a person's life. The severity and type of SCI depend on the location and extent of the damage to the spinal cord.” The Indian Journal of Orthopaedics reports that individuals who have suffered spinal cord injuries are frequently younger people. Investing early in surgery and rehabilitation leads to significant reductions in overall morbidity for spinal cord-injured patients.
Types Of Spinal Cord Injuries
Complete Spinal Cord Injury
When there is a complete SCI, sensory and motor functions below the level of injury are completely lost. This means that there is no sensation or voluntary movement below the affected area.
Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury
An incomplete SCI is characterised by partial loss of sensory and motor function below the level of the injury. Individuals with incomplete injuries may retain some sensation and motor control, although the degree of impairment can vary widely. It is further categorised into four types, which are as follows:
- Central Cord Syndrome: This type of injury primarily affects the centre of the spinal cord, resulting in greater impairment in the upper body compared to the lower body. Motor weakness and sensory loss may be more pronounced in the arms and hands.
- Brown-Sequard Syndrome: This condition occurs when there is damage to one side of the spinal cord. It typically leads to weakness and loss of motor function on one side of the body, along with loss of pain and temperature sensation on the opposite side.
- Anterior Cord Syndrome: In this type of injury, the front portion of the spinal cord is damaged. It often results in a loss of motor function and pain and temperature sensation, while preserving some degree of touch and proprioception (awareness of body position).
- Posterior Cord Syndrome: This rare type of SCI affects the back portion of the spinal cord. It typically leads to deficits in proprioception, coordination, and fine touch, while preserving motor function and pain sensation.
Levels Of Spinal Cord Injury
Dr Sancheti said, “The level of a spinal cord injury refers to the specific vertebrae or spinal segment where the damage occurs. The higher the level of injury, the more extensive the functional impairments typically are.” The spinal cord is divided into different segments, each corresponding to specific areas of the body. The following are the general levels of spinal cord injuries:
- Tetraplegia (also known as quadriplegia): This type of SCI involves injury to the cervical (neck) region of the spinal cord. It affects all four limbs and the torso, potentially resulting in varying degrees of paralysis or impairment.
- Paraplegia: Paraplegia occurs when the injury affects the thoracic (chest) or lumbar (lower back) region of the spinal cord. It results in paralysis or impairment of the lower limbs, with the upper body generally being unaffected.
Dr Sancheti added, “The specific level of injury within the tetraplegia or paraplegia categories can be further specified using a numbering system based on the corresponding vertebrae. For example, C5 injury indicates that the injury occurred at the fifth cervical vertebra.”
Also Read: Suffering From A Spinal Cord Injury? 4 Exercises That Can Help You
Bottomline
Dr Sancheti concluded, “It is important to note that the functional outcomes of spinal cord injuries can vary among individuals, even with injuries of the same level and type. Factors, such as the extent of damage, individual resilience, and access to rehabilitation and support services can greatly influence the long-term prognosis and quality of life for individuals with spinal cord injuries.”
Disclaimer
This overview provides a general understanding of the types and levels of spinal cord injuries, but it is essential to consult with medical professionals and specialists for accurate diagnosis, treatment, and personalised information regarding individual cases.