Types of incomplete SCI

Spinal Cord Injury can be classified as being complete or incomplete. As with all things in life, there are no absolutes.

Since the early 1990’s the American Spinal Injury Association has been actively involved in helping the medical profession determine standards for application to not only differentiating between complete or incomplete spinal cord injury, but to also identify varying degrees of spinal cord injury.

Doctors and physicians were not the only ones who welcomed the initiative taken by the American Spinal Injury Association; I did too. Being a Spinal Injury Lawyer means I need to be at the forefront of all the information available to the medical profession.

I need to be in a position to know whether a diagnosis is sound.

I need to know if my client is receiving the best treatment.

I need to know if my client is being given the short end of the stick.

With the ASIA SCI classification system it is now possible for medical practitioners to accurately diagnose and treat suspected SCI. With the ASIA SCI classification system I am able to rest easier knowing that diagnosis and treatment is better than it was when I started my career, more than 30 years ago.

Currently, five types of incomplete SCI have been identified.

The average layman, when trying to identify parts of the spinal cord, the toothpaste-like substance that runs inside the spinal cavity from the brain to the lower back, would separate it into areas such as cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral. However, for the purposes of the ASIA SCI classification, there are 5 identified areas. Anterior Cord Syndrome, or damage to the front of the spinal cord, may result in loss of mobility, feeling and temperature sensitivity below the injured area. This level of injury is not always permanent.

Recovery prospects of Central Cord Syndrome are very similar to Anterior Cord Syndrome. Central Cord Syndrome affects the centre of the spinal cord, and renders the arms dysfunctional. Some leg movement may be retained.

Damage to the back of the Spinal Cord is known as Posterior Cord Syndrome. Patients with Posterior Cord Syndrome will typically maintain muscle tone, feel pain, and be able to identify temperature fluctuations. Poor co-ordination is typical of Posterior Cord Syndrome.

When only one side of the spinal cord is injured, it is a Brown-Sequard Syndrome. One side of the body will experience mobility impairment, whilst having sensation on that side. The other side of the body will have sensation impaired, yet be fully mobile.

Injury to the nerves situated between the first and second lumbar vertebrae is known as Cauda Equina Syndrome. This injury can lead to total loss of sensation below the affected area. It is not uncommon for the damaged nerves to regenerate themselves, and for impaired function to be restored.

Accident, trauma, tumours, degenerative diseases, are just a few of the ways in which Spinal Cord Injury can be manifested. Fortunately not all spinal cord injuries lead to total paralysis, and very often recovery is possible.

I have over 30 years experience as a spinal injury lawyer, and I have assisted hundreds of clients in that time, contact me via my contact form, or call me, Toll Free, on 888 446 1999, to arrange your first free consultation with me. I won’t charge you for any costs or fees if I am unable to secure money compensation for you.

The purpose of these web articles are not to make comment about an individual's personal choices, but are intended to educate you about the possible paths of outcome of various spinal injuries.

This website is provided as a public service regarding the topic of spinal injury and is not to be relied upon as medical or legal advice. The information supplied is of a general nature only, and is not intended to be relied upon. This information is not represented to be the most up to date or to cover your particular circumstances.

Before deciding to obtain care, treatment, or to determine a diagnosis, please consult with a licensed physician, and concerning your legal rights please consult with a lawyer.

Warning: Do not let any medical or legal concerns wait because of any information you have read on this website.

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