SCI Information

Persons with paraplegica and quadriplegica are paralyzed in their extremities and in their torsos. Most persons with paraplegica and quadriplegica have loss of sensation below the level of injury and loss of controlled function of the bladder and bowel. Paralysis is caused by injury to or disease of the spinal cord and the degree of paralysis depends upon the level of injury in the spinal cord. Injuries are classified by the level at which the spinal cord is injured.

The cord is classified into cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral regions, and each group has at least five letters of the name of the group and numbers are used to specify the level in each group. Thus, a T-10-11 paraplegic has had a spinal cord injury in the thoracic group, between cord level 10 and 11. This person would be paralyzed from that level down.

Paraplegia: The paralysis of the lower extremities and part or all of the trunk muscles as a result of injury or disease of the spinal cord. A paraplegic will typically have strong arms and hands but weak legs and must rely on a wheelchair for mobility. Usually there is a loss of sensation in paralyzed limbs and other unpleasant side effects such as muscle spasms, pain, and loss of bowel and bladder control.

Quadriplegic: Damage to the spinal cord nerve at a higher level (in the neck area, which causes impairment to the hands and arms. This is an addition to the symptoms of paraplegia.

Hemiplegia: Paraplegia and quadriplegia result from nerve damage. The brain is not affected so there is no impairment of intellect, personality or speech or senses. These should not be confused with hemiplegia due to a stroke or traumatic brain injury. Hemiplegia is a paralysis of one side of the body. While mobility may often be impaired to the extent that a wheelchair is required, the combination of symptoms are complex and may or may not also include tremors, sensory and cognitive impairment, and speech impairment.
Paraplegia and quadriplegia are usually permanent and non-progressive in nature. No cure is known now, although research is being done. Nevertheless, the handicap can often be lessened through use of various functional techniques and special devices.

Though persons with paraplegica and quadriplegica have loss of voluntary movement, involuntary motion such as spasms may be experienced. The spasms may be experienced. The spasms may jerk the person into distorted positions, which can promote pressure sores. The spasms can also be painful and cause discomfort. Many spinal cord injured persons still feel some sensation in the paralyzed parts of their body. Often this is due to the spinal cord not being completely severed. It may have been mashed or partially damaged from swelling and bruising. Nerve impulses may still travel through the spinal fibers left intact, and the person may be able to feel someone touching him, and he may also feel pain in the paralyzed pans of his body. The disability is frequently accompanied by complications such as pressure sores, bladder infections, muscle spasms and pain. Fertility is usually impaired in males, but not in females.

Some Facts About Spinal Cord Injury

Incidence of Spinal Cord Injury in Canada: 35 per year per million population (not including non-deficit or fatal injuries).

There are an estimated 900 Canadians who sustain a spinal cord injury each year.

On average, of the newly injured clients referred to CPA each year, 80% are male, 50% are paraplegic and 50% are quadriplegic.

Causes of Spinal Cord Injury

        Car Accidents: 35%
        Falls: 16.5%
        Medical: 10.8%
        Sports: 6.7%
        Other Motor Vehicle Accidents: 6.2%
        Diving: 5.3%
        Industrial Accidents: 5.3%
        Other: 14.2%