Spinal Cord Injury Levels And Muscle Function Chart
Introduction
Spinal cord injury is a devastating condition that can result in a wide range of physical and functional impairments. The location and severity of the injury determine the extent of the damage and the degree of disability. A spinal cord injury can affect muscle function and sensation below the level of the injury. Understanding the spinal cord injury levels and muscle function chart is important for patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers.
What is a Spinal Cord Injury?
A spinal cord injury (SCI) is damage to the spinal cord that results in a loss of function, such as mobility or feeling. The spinal cord is a bundle of nerves that carries signals between the brain and the rest of the body. An SCI can occur from trauma, such as a fall or car accident, or from disease or infection.
Spinal Cord Injury Levels
The spinal cord is divided into four regions: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral. The level of the injury is determined by the location of the damage along the spinal cord. The higher the injury, the greater the loss of function.
There are eight cervical nerves (C1-C8), twelve thoracic nerves (T1-T12), five lumbar nerves (L1-L5), and five sacral nerves (S1-S5). The level of the injury is described by the lowest functioning nerve level. For example, an injury at the T6 level affects all nerves below that level.
Muscle Function Chart
The muscle function chart is a tool used to assess the degree of impairment caused by a spinal cord injury. The chart categorizes muscle function into five levels: normal, good, fair, poor, and zero.
Normal function means that the muscle can move against gravity and resistance. Good function means that the muscle can move against gravity but not resistance. Fair function means that the muscle can move against gravity with minimal resistance. Poor function means that the muscle can contract but cannot move against gravity. Zero function means that the muscle cannot contract at all.
Cervical Spinal Cord Injury Levels
An injury to the cervical spinal cord affects the neck, arms, and legs. The severity of the impairment depends on the level of the injury. A C1-C3 injury results in quadriplegia or paralysis of all four limbs. A C4 injury affects the arms and legs but may allow for some shoulder and neck movement. A C5 injury affects the arms and wrists but may allow for some shoulder movement. A C6 injury affects the arms and hands but may allow for some wrist movement. A C7-C8 injury affects the arms, hands, and fingers.
Thoracic Spinal Cord Injury Levels
An injury to the thoracic spinal cord affects the chest, trunk, and legs. A T1-T8 injury may result in paraplegia or paralysis of the legs. A T9-T12 injury may allow for some leg movement but may affect bowel and bladder function.
Lumbar Spinal Cord Injury Levels
An injury to the lumbar spinal cord affects the hips and legs. An L1-L5 injury may result in paraplegia or paralysis of the legs. A sacral nerve injury may affect bowel and bladder function.
Conclusion
Spinal cord injury levels and muscle function chart are important tools for assessing the degree of impairment caused by an SCI. Knowing the level of injury and the extent of muscle function loss can help patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers develop a treatment plan that addresses their specific needs. Understanding the impact of an SCI on muscle function can also help patients and their families adjust to their new way of life and identify ways to improve their quality of life.