Do All Spinal Injuries from Crashes Cause Paralysis?
A spinal cord injury (SCI) is damage to the tight bundle of cells and nerves that sends and receives signals from the brain to and from the rest of the body. The spinal cord extends from the lower part of the brain down through the lower back. Spinal cord injuries can be caused by direct injury to the spinal cord itself or from damage to the tissue and bones (vertebrae) that surround the spinal cord. This damage can result in temporary or permanent changes in sensation, movement, strength, and body functions below the site of injury. The expected loss of motor function and degree of paralysis one can expect from a spinal cord injury hinges on where along the spinal cord the injury occurred and the severity of the injury. Not…