Upper C-spine Injury (C1-C4)

Muscles: -no muscular control below the level of lesion (tetraplegia or quadriplegia –cannot move upper or lower limbs)

Sensation: -no sensation below the level of the lesion

Respiration: -weak diaphragm, no other muscles to assist in breathing, most likely needs a mechanical respirator
- no cough, risk for lung infections

Bladder: -incontinent

Spasticity: -spasms below level of lesion

Lower C-spine Injury (C5-C8)

Muscles: -weakness in upper limbs, no finger movement  (tetraplegia or quadriplegia –cannot move some of upper limbs and no lower limb movement)

Sensation: -no sensation below the level of the lesion

Respiration: -full diaphragm control, very few muscles in chest and stomach to assist in breathing so breathing is more difficult than before the injury
-weak cough, risk for lung infections

Bladder: -incontinent

Spasticity: -spasms below level of lesion