| A spinal cord injury can occur anywhere along the spinal cord. It is the result of damage to cells in the spinal cord and causes a loss of communication between the brain and the parts of the body below the injury. Thus, the higher the injury along the spine, the greater the extent of the problems associated with the injury, such as loss of movement and sensation (26). Paraplegia is a possible result of an injury at the thoracic level of the spine. It results in loss of sensation (5) and paralysis in the lower body and legs. Quadriplegia, however, can be the result of an injury to the cervical area of the spinal cord. It may result in loss of sensation (5) and paralysis in both the arms and the legs (26) or in all areas below the neck. | ||||||
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picture provided by Neurosurgery://On Call |
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