Week 11 - Spinal Cord Injury

Front

Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)

Back

Damage to the spinal cord resulting in partial or complete loss of motor and/or sensory function below the level of injury.

Front

Primary Injury

Back

The initial mechanical insult causing direct damage to spinal tissues, often through compression, laceration, or dislocation.

Front

Secondary Injury

Back

The cascade of biological processes (e.g., inflammation, ischemia, apoptosis) following the primary injury that exacerbates damage.

Front

Spinal Shock

Back

Temporary loss of all or most spinal reflex activity below the level of injury immediately after SCI.

Front

ASIA Impairment Scale (AIS)

Back

A classification system by the American Spinal Injury Association used to assess the severity of SCI.

Front

Neurological Level of Injury (NLI)

Back

The most caudal segment of the spinal cord with normal motor and sensory function.

Front

Zone of Partial Preservation

Back

The area below the neurological level of injury with some preserved motor or sensory function (in incomplete injuries).

Front

Quadriplegia (Tetraplegia)

Back

Paralysis affecting all four limbs, typically from cervical spinal cord injury.

Front

Paraplegia

Back

Paralysis affecting the trunk, legs, and pelvic organs, typically from thoracic, lumbar, or sacral injury.

Front

Impact + Compression

Back

A common primary mechanism of SCI, involving a blunt force and ongoing spinal cord compression.