Types of Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal cord injuries are classified according to the site, or level of injury, and as complete or incomplete. Complete, means there is absence of all motor, sensory and vasomotor function below the level injury. Incomplete, means there is presence of some voluntary motor or sensory function below the level of the injury.

Central Cord Syndrome

With central cord syndrome, also an incomplete cord injury, there is damage to the center of the spinal cord. Motor and sensory deficits are less severe in the lower extremities than in the upper extremities. The person with this type injury may not be able to move his arms, but may be able to move his legs.

Posterior Cord Syndrome

Posterior cord syndrome involves injury to the back portion of the spinal cord. Persons with posterior cord syndrome have a loss of proprioception, the body's own ability to perceive its positioning of body parts, fine touch and fine pressure. Patients retain intact motor function, pain and temperature. They are also able to detect touch that has significant pressure. Posterior cord syndrome is an incomplete cord injury.

Complete Cord Injuries


With a complete spinal cord injury, the cord is literally cut in two. According to "Sheehy's Manual of Emergency Care," the hallmark of complete cord lesion is paraplegia or quadriplegia, also called tetraplegia. With these injuries, there is absence of all motor, sensory and reflex below the level of injury. It is common to hear people speak of those who are quadriplegic or paraplegic. A person who is a paraplegic has loss of muscle ability in both arms or both legs. A person who is a quadriplegic has loss of motor function in both arms and both legs.