The main symptom of an SCI is a loss of movement and feeling below the level of injury. Trauma to the spine at or below the spot where the neck and chest meet will affect the legs. Complete loss of function at this level is called paraplegia. Incomplete loss is called paraparesis. Injuries involving the neck will also affect the arms. Complete loss of function in the arms and below is called quadriplegia. Partial loss in all four limbs is called quadriparesis. Below the level of injury, the person will lose: bowel, bladder, and sexual function feeling movement position sense, or awareness of where the body is.
These losses may be partial or complete. They may be temporary or permanent. It depends on the severity of the injury.
Doehrman & Chamberlain
10333 North Meridian Street Suite 100
Indianapolis, Indiana 46290