| Definition |
Paralysis of the lower limbs and lower trunk |
Paralysis of both the upper and lower limbs |
| Extent of Paralysis |
Involves the legs, hips, and sometimes parts of the trunk |
Involves the arms, legs, trunk, and pelvic organs |
| Motor Function |
Impaired or lost function in the lower body muscles |
Impaired or lost function in both upper and lower body muscles |
| Sensory Function |
Sensation may be affected or lost below the level of injury |
Sensation may be affected or lost below the level of injury |
| Level of Injury |
Typically caused by spinal cord injury at thoracic or lumbar regions |
Typically caused by spinal cord injury at cervical (neck) region |
| Upper Limb Function |
Generally unaffected or minimally affected |
Impaired or lost function in the upper limbs |
| Lower Limb Function |
Impaired or lost function in the lower limbs |
Impaired or lost function in the lower limbs |
| Trunk Function |
Trunk control may be partially preserved |
Trunk control may be limited or absent |
| Bladder and Bowel Control |
May retain some degree of control |
May experience loss of bladder and bowel control |
| Respiratory Function |
Usually unaffected |
May experience respiratory complications depending on the level of injury |
| Assistive Devices |
Can potentially use a wheelchair for mobility |
May require a power wheelchair or assistive devices for mobility |
| Rehabilitation Needs |
Focuses on lower limb function, mobility, and independence |
Focuses on upper limb function, trunk stability, mobility, and independence |
| Emotional Impact |
Individual’s emotional response may vary |
May experience additional emotional challenges due to loss of upper limb function |
| Prognosis |
Depends on the underlying cause and level of injury |
Depends on the underlying cause and level of injury |
Biology Ease Staff asked 10 months ago