The result of spinal cord injuries can be grouped into two major categories: Incomplete or Complete.
Complete spinal cord injuries mean that the spinal cord has been damaged across the entire width, anywhere along the length of the spine.
Every tract sending information to and from the brain is disconnected. Therefore,
there is no muscle function and no sensation below the level of the lesion.
Depending on where the level of the injury is, the disabilities caused from
a complete spinal cord injury can be predictable.
See Common Problems to learn more about the disabilities
caused by certain levels of lesion.
Incomplete spinal cord injuries mean that part of the spinal cord is injured but not across the whole width.
The result of incomplete spinal cord injuries is varied and not as predictable
as complete spinal cord injuries. There is some muscle control or sensation
below the level of the lesion.
See Common
Incomplete Spinal Cord Injuries for more information.