EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -Loss of nerve function occurs below the level of injury. An injury higher on the spinal cord can cause paralysis in most of the body and affect all limbs (called tetraplegia or quadriplegia). A lower injury to the spinal cord may cause paralysis affecting the legs and lower body (called paraplegia).

Detailed explanation-2: -Symptoms may include partial or complete loss of sensory function or motor control of arms, legs and/or body. The most severe spinal cord injury affects the systems that regulate bowel or bladder control, breathing, heart rate and blood pressure. Most people with spinal cord injury experience chronic pain.

Detailed explanation-3: -When the spinal cord is damaged, the message from the brain cannot get through. The spinal nerves below the level of injury get signals, but they are not able to go up the spinal tracts to the brain. Reflex movements can happen, but these are not movements that can be controlled.

Detailed explanation-4: -Spinal cord injury causes inflammation which can affect the whole nervous system – this includes the brain, and the brain can be very sensitive to inflammation and pressure.

Detailed explanation-5: -Spinal cord injuries cause inflammation that can impact the entire nervous system, including the brain. Even if your injury has no direct effect on the brain, you may still notice that you are experiencing cognitive symptoms like memory and thought process problems, changes in mood, and problem-solving abilities.