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The outcomes associated with spinal cord injuries vary greatly according to where along the spinal column the spinal cord has been injured, the severity of the injury, and which nerve fibers are damaged. As a general rule of thumb, some recovery can be expected within the first six months following injury; after six months, additional recovery is unlikely.

Level of Injury

Doctors and specialists use the level of injury to most accurately predict which parts of the body are most likely to be affected by loss of movement and sensation. Complete injuries will result in total loss of movement and sensation below the point of injury, while incomplete injuries will result in some degree of loss of movement and sensation below the point of injury. Levels of injury are classified as:

• Neck
• C-1 to C-4
• C-5
• C-6
• C-7 and T-1
• T-1 to T-8
• T-9 to T-12

Additional Effects of Spinal Cord Injuries

While loss of sensation and movement are the most common effects of spinal cord injuries, other physical changes as a result of the injury may include:

• Bowel and bladder dysfunction
• Sexual dysfunction
• Loss of fertility in men
• Low blood pressure
• Inability to regulate blood pressure
• Lack of control of body temperature
• Inability to sweat below the point of injury
• Chronic pain

Result of Treatment on Outcome

A spinal cord injury is a major medical emergency that must be dealt with immediately in order for the patient to experience the best outcome possible. The time between when the injury occurs and when treatment is sought will significantly affect the long-term outcome.