Damage to the spinal cord that results in a loss of function such as mobility or feeling. Causes of damage include trauma (car accident, gunshot, falls, etc.), disease (polio), or genetic condition (spina bifida). The spinal cord does not have to be severed in order for a loss of functioning to occur. In fact, in most people with SCI, the spinal cord is intact but the damage to it results in loss of functioning.

an acute traumatic lesion of neural elements in the spinal canal, resulting in any degree of deficit in sensory, motor and life functions

Injuries affecting the central nervous system such as partial or total paralysis of the body.

An injury to the spinal cord which is a center for reflexes that conduct impulses to and from the brain. Most nerves to the trunk and limbs emerge from the spinal cord.

Any injury to the spinal cord via blunt or penetrating trauma. Extreme flexion or extension (particularly in the neck) of the spine can result in traction on the spinal cord with subsequent injury and the development of neurologic symptoms.

Spinal Cord Injury About Spinal Cord Injury Resources Information on Assistive Technology What is Spinal Cord Injury

Injury of the nerves contained within the spinal canal often associated with trauma to the spinal column (spine),Complete: Nerve damage obstructing all signals between the brain and body.Incomplete: Nerve damage obstructing some of the signals between the brain and body.

Usually refers to traumatic injury to the spinal cord; can also result from infection or tumors.

Spinal cord injury, or myelopathy, is a disturbance of the spinal cord that results in loss of sensation and mobility.