The Different Levels of Spinal Cord Injury

A spinal cord injury has the potential to permanently change your life. This type of injury is one that’s not related to a failed surgery and/or disease, such as a tumor. Instead, it results from something such as a motor vehicle accident, fall from height, or sports injury.

If you or a loved one suffered a spinal cord injury, it’s important to understand the five levels. These include:

•    Level A: complete spinal cord injury with no preservation of mobility or motor function.
•    Level B: “incomplete” spinal cord injury with reservation of motor skills and sensory function but severely limited mobility.
•    Level C: incomplete spinal cord injury with reservation of motor skills, sensory functions, more than half of the key muscles have a mass lower than 3, and active mobility.
•    Level D: incomplete spinal cord injury with reservation of motor skills, sensory functions, at least half of the key muscles have a mass lower than 3, and active mobility.
•    Level E: normal motor skills, sensory functions, muscle mass, and mobility.

As you can see, a Level A spinal cord injury is the most serious, with Level E among the least serious. But remember, each type requires a thorough medical evaluation and recovery plan.

While every type of spinal cord injury has the potential to alter your life, it’s good to know that there’s treatment available. It’s important to consult with an experienced medical team that has the knowledge necessary to guide you during this challenging time.

Virginia Spine Specialists is an award-winning, minimally invasive spinal care practice with locations in Fredericksburg, VA and Manassas, VA. We also serve these Northern and Central Virginia locations: Haymarket, Gainesville, Culpepper, Front Royal, Spotsylvania, Stafford, Colonial Beach, Tappahannock and Lake Anna.