Paralysis and loss of sensation of part of the body are common. This includes total paralysis or numbness and varying degrees of movement or sensation loss. Death is possible, particularly if there is paralysis of the breathing muscles.
How well a person does depends on the level of injury. Injuries near the top of the spine result in more extensive disability than do injuries low in the spine.
Recovery of some movement or sensation within 1 week usually means the person has a good chance of recovering more function, although this may take 6 months or more. Losses that remain after 6 months are more likely to be permanent.
Routine bowel care frequently takes one hour or more on a daily basis.
A majority of people with spinal cord injury must perform bladder catheterization from time to time.
Modifications of the person's living environment are usually required.
Most people with spinal cord injury are wheelchair- or bed-bound, or have impaired mobility requiring a variety of assistive devices.
What to expect if I have Spinal cord injury  (Outlook/Prognosis)?
Paralysis and loss of sensation of part of the body are common. This includes total paralysis or numbness and varying degrees of movement or sensation loss. Death is possible, particularly if there is paralysis of the breathing muscles.
How well a person does depends on the level of injury. Injuries near the top of the spine result in more extensive disability than do injuries low in the spine.
Recovery of some movement or sensation within 1 week usually means the person has a good chance of recovering more function, although this may take 6 months or more. Losses that remain after 6 months are more likely to be permanent.
Routine bowel care frequently takes one hour or more on a daily basis.
A majority of people with spinal cord injury must perform bladder catheterization from time to time.
Modifications of the person's living environment are usually required.
Most people with spinal cord injury are wheelchair- or bed-bound, or have impaired mobility requiring a variety of assistive devices.