After an accident that leads to damage to your spinal cord, you will need immediate assessment by a medical professional to help prevent further damage and to learn your current situation.
Labeling spinal cord injuries enables a doctor to understand your condition easily. According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, there are two types: complete and incomplete.
Definitions
A complete spinal cord injury causes complete loss below the point of injury. It does not mean the spinal cord suffers a complete cut. Most often, such an injury occurs due to a bruise or restricted blood flow to the area of the spine. With a complete injury, you will often feel the effects on both sides of your body. Half of all spinal cord patients fall into this category.
An incomplete spinal cord injury allows for some function to remain below the site of the injury. It is possible that the effects are only apparent on one side of your body.
Grading scale
Complete or incomplete injuries also receive a grade letter, which explains the amount of function lost due to the injury. The grades range from A to E.
A grade E is the baseline or normal level where you have no issues. Grade D is for an incomplete issue that affects more than half the muscle groups. Grade C also if for incomplete situations, and it applies to issues with less than half the muscle groups. The last incomplete grade is B, which is when you have a full loss of motor function. Grade A is for full loss of motor and sensory function for complete injuries.
