The Facts on Spinal Cord Injury

THE FACTS ON SPINAL CORD INJURY SPINAL CORD INJURIES IN THE U.S. Damage to any part of the spinal cord or nerves in the spinal canal is considered a spinal cord injury. Spinal cord injuries often permanently affect sensation, mobility, strength, and other bodily functions. 12,000 new cases (approx.) of spinal cord injury are reported each year. 270,000 people (approx.) were living with spinal cord injuries in 2012. COMMON CAUSES OF ŠPINAL CORD INJURY 28.3% Falls - 14.6% Violence 39.2% Vehicular 9.7% Other/Unknown 8.2% Sports QUADRIPLEGIA OR TETRAPLEGIA Paralysis or weakness affects the arms, hands, legs, trunk, pelvic organs, and regions below the level of injury. PARAPLEGIA Paralysis or weakness affects all or part of the legs, trunk, and pelvic organs. TYPES OF SPINAL CORD INJURY CERVICAL Vertebrae C1 - C8 Areas Commonly Affected Arms Legs Top of back Shoulders Neck Diaphragm Regions below injury THORACIC Vertebrae T1- T12 Areas Commonly Affected Legs Back Abdomen LUMBAR Vertebrae L1 - L5 Areas Commonly Affected Legs Lower abdomen and back Buttocks External genital organs SACRAL Vertebrae S1 - S5 Areas Commonly Affected Legs Feet Hips Thighs Genital organs SYMPTOMS &Respiratory problems (most common with cervical injuries) & Loss of physical sensation (including ability to feel touch, heat, and cold) &Loss of movement & Loss of bladder or bowel control & Sexual dysfunction (including changes in fertility and sensitivity) & Spasms or changes in reflexes & Pain or stinging sensations INFOGRAPHIC PROVIDED BY: ndependence Plus healthcare at home www.INDEPENDENCEPLUSHEALTHATHOME.COM Sources: www.christopherreeve.org/site/c.mtKZKgMWKwG/b.4514603/k.77E9/Spinal Cord Injury.Types.htm www.mayoclinic.com/health/spinal-cord-injury/DSo0460 www.spinalcord.org/resource-center/askus/index.php?pg-kb.book&id-56 www.nscisc.uab.edu/PublicDocuments/fact_figures_docs/Facts%202012%20Feb%20Final.pdf