There are two basic types of paralysis: quadriplegia/tetraplegia and paraplegia. The classifications are a result of where the spinal cord injury occurred, as well as where the body is experiencing loss of function. Injury can occur at four levels:
- Cervical
- Thoracic
- Lumbar
- Sacral
These areas are key, as where the spinal cord damage occurs will have a direct impact on certain muscles, organs, and sensations.
Quadriplegia/Tetraplegia
Quadriplegia, sometimes also called tetraplegia, is paralysis in all four limbs. In this type of paralysis, the abdominal and chest muscles can also be affected, resultling in difficulty breathing, coughing, or clearing the chest. Quadriplegia/Tetraplegia is the result of a spinal cord injury above the first thoracic vertebra.
Paraplegia
Paraplegia results when the injury to the spinal cord is below the first thoracic spinal nerve. This results in the loss of feeling and movement, to some degree, of the legs. Paraplegics can experience anything from impairment of leg movement to complete loss of leg movement all the way up to the chest. Paraplegics are able to move their arms and hands.
Spinal Cord Injury and Functionality
The degree of function that a person with quadraplegia or paraplegia will experience depends upon the level of injury, type of injury, and whether the injury was complete or incomplete. There are several different types of syndromes that will determine the degree of paralysis.
- Anterior Cord Syndrome: The injury occurs at the front of the spinal cord, leaving the person with partial or complete loss of ability to sense pain, temperature, and touch below the level of injury. Some people with this type of injury later recover some movement.
- Central Cord Syndrome: The injury occurs at the center of the spinal cord, and usually results in the loss of arm function. Some leg, bowel, and bladder control may be preserved. Some recovery from this injury may start in the legs, and then move upward.
- Posterior Cord Syndrome: The injury occurs toward the back of the spinal cord. Usually muscle power, pain, and temperature sensation is preserved. However, the person may have trouble with limb coordination.
- Brown-Sequard Syndrome: This injury occurs on one side of the spinal cord. Pain and temperature sensation will be present on the injured side, but impairment or loss of movement will also result. The opposite side of the injury will have normal movement, but pain and temperature sensation will be affected or lost.
- Cauda equine lesion: Damage to the nerves that fan out of the spinal cord at the first and second lumbar region of the spine can cause partial or complete loss of movement and feeling. Depending upon the extend of initial damage, sometimes these nerves can grow back and resume functionality.