Spinal cord injuries are classified by severity (complete or incomplete) and by location (cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral). According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, approximately 18,000 new spinal cord injuries occur in the United States each year. By understanding the types and effects of spinal cord injuries, families can navigate medical care, recovery, and legal options.
The Two Main Spinal Cord Injury Types
Spinal cord injuries are classified as either complete or incomplete based on how much function is lost below the injury site.
Complete Spinal Cord Injuries
A complete SCI involves total loss of motor and sensory function below the level of injury. Signals cannot pass through the damaged area. Complete injuries now make up less than half of all SCIs thanks to improved emergency response and care.
Incomplete Spinal Cord Injuries
An incomplete SCI involves partial loss of function. Some signals still pass through the damaged area, allowing varying degrees of movement or sensation. Incomplete injuries are the most common type today and offer greater recovery potential through rehabilitation.
ASIA Classifications
The American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale rates spinal cord injuries from A to E. This scale guides medical teams in assessing severity and predicting recovery.
- ASIA A: Complete. No motor or sensory function below the injury level.
- ASIA B: Incomplete. Sensory is preserved, but no motor function.
- ASIA C: Incomplete. Motor functions are preserved, but most muscles are weak.
- ASIA D: Incomplete. Motor functions are preserved with most muscles strong enough for movement against gravity.
- ASIA E: Normal motor and sensory function.
The Different Levels of Severity in Spinal Cord Injuries
The spinal cord is divided into four regions. The level of injury determines which body functions are affected. For example, lower injuries primarily affect the lower body. Thoracic, lumbar, and sacral injuries typically result in paralysis.
Spinal Cord Injury Levels and Their Effects
| Region | Vertebrae | What’s Affected |
|---|---|---|
| Cervical (C1–C8) | Neck | Arms, hands, legs, breathing (high cervical); tetraplegia/quadriplegia |
| Thoracic (T1–T12) | Upper/mid back | Trunk and leg function; paraplegia |
| Lumbar (L1–L5) | Lower back | Hips and leg function; paraplegia |
| Sacral (S1–S5) | Base of spine | Bowel, bladder, sexual function; some hip and leg function |
Spinal cord injuries above C5 may require ventilator support. Many patients lose diaphragm function. These are the most severe SCIs and often require lifelong specialized care.
Understanding the Long-Term Effects of a Spinal Cord Injury
Spinal cord injuries cause physical, emotional, and financial effects that often last a lifetime. Beyond paralysis, spinal cord injuries commonly cause:
- Loss of bowel and bladder control
- Sexual dysfunction
- Chronic pain (often neuropathic)
- Pressure sores from limited mobility
- Respiratory issues (especially with cervical injuries)
- Muscle spasticity or atrophy
- Increased risk of blood clots
- Autonomic dysreflexia (dangerous blood pressure spikes in injuries above T6)
Unfortunately, depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress are common after a spinal cord injury. Mental health treatment is often a critical part of long-term recovery.
Spinal cord injuries are among the most expensive injuries to treat. Average lifetime costs for severe SCIs can exceed several million dollars. Medical care and surgery are just the beginning. Most patients need rehabilitation, long-term care, and life modifications.
Accountability and Justice in Spinal Cord Injuries Caused by Negligence
Many spinal cord injuries could have been prevented. Fortunately, American courts allow the injured person to hold the responsible parties accountable. These are some of the most common causes of spinal cord injuries.
- Motor vehicle crashes are one of the leading causes of spinal cord injuries
- Falls and other premises liability claims against property owners
- Sports and recreation accidents, including diving in unsafe pools
- Workplace accidents in construction, oil rig, and industrial settings
- Medical malpractice, like surgical errors or delayed diagnosis
- Defective products, including malfunctioning vehicles or safety equipment
- Acts of violence, such as assault claims and security failures
Spinal cord injuries are more than tragic. They’re also expensive for the patient and their family. We’ve helped survivors and their families recover the following:
- Past and future medical expenses (often in the millions)
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Home and vehicle modification costs
- Long-term care expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Our spinal cord injury team handles catastrophic injury cases nationwide. We work with medical, life care planning, and economic experts to document long-term damages.
Frequently Asked Questions About Spinal Cord Injuries
What are the two main types of spinal cord injuries?
Spinal cord injuries are categorized as either complete or incomplete. For example, a complete SCI involves total loss of motor and sensory function below the injury level. An incomplete SCI involves partial loss. Some signals still pass through the damaged area, preserving some movement or sensation.
What are the different levels of spinal cord injuries?
The spinal cord is divided into four regions: cervical (neck), thoracic (upper/mid back), lumbar (lower back), and sacral (base of spine). Cervical injuries typically result in tetraplegia. Thoracic, lumbar, and sacral injuries typically result in paraplegia. Higher injuries cause more extensive impairment.
What are the long-term effects of a spinal cord injury?
Spinal cord injuries have many long-term effects, including paralysis, chronic pain, and autonomic dysreflexia. Depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are also common.
What is the most common cause of spinal cord injuries?
According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of spinal cord injuries in the United States. Falls, acts of violence, and sports/recreation accidents are also common. Ultimately, negligence triggers many spinal cord injuries.
Can you recover from a spinal cord injury?
Your potential compensation depends on the type, level, and severity of the injury. For example, incomplete spinal cord injuries generally offer better recovery prospects than complete injuries.
What is the ASIA Impairment Scale?
The American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale ranks spinal cord injuries from A to E. For example, ASIA A is complete with no function below the physical level of injury. In comparison, ASIA E is a normal function. The scale helps medical teams assess severity and predict recovery.
Trust Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys Today
A spinal cord injury changes every part of your life, including your physical and emotional health. You need a team you can trust while you focus on healing. Our trial team handles catastrophic SCI cases nationwide. Schedule a free case review today.
Reviewed by Alexander Shunnarah, Attorney and Chief Executive Officer at Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys on 2026-06-26.
