SCI Quick Reference Sheet

What body structures/functions are affected in a C1-C4 SCI?

-Breathing
-Neck (flexion/ extension/ rotation)
-Scapular elevation (C3-C4)

What are some activity limitations (ADL/IADL considerations) in a C1-C4 SCI?

-Dependent for all ADLs
-May have trouble with swallowing and speaking
-Most likely requires mechanical ventilation due to weakness of breathing muscles*
-Potential for use of mouth stick for some daily tasks as well as other assistive technology
-C3 and C4 may be able to breathe on own

What are some activity limitations (mobility considerations) in a C1-C4 SCI?

-Dependent on power wheelchairs with different head/chin controls vs sip & puff control
-Adapted w/c van for transportation
-Total assist for transfers

What body structures/functions are affected in a C2-C4 SCI?

No movement in UE's; some neck control

What are some activity limitations (ADL/IADL considerations) in a C2-C4 SCI?

C2= requires vent support
C4= can drive power w/c with sip/puff or chin control

What body structures/functions are affected in a C5 SCI?

Shoulder abduction and elbow flexion

What are some activity limitations (ADL/IADL considerations) in a C5 SCI?

-Dependent for most ADLs
-Self feeding and grooming possible with adaptive equipment and hand splints

What are some activity limitations (mobility considerations) in a C5 SCI?

-Will rely on power wheelchair for mobility, will most likely need adaptive controls
-Adaptive w/c van for transportation
-Total assist for transfers

What body structures/functions are affected in a C6 SCI?

Wrist extensors

What are some activity limitations (ADL/IADL considerations) in a C6 SCI?

-Can be more independent with upper body ADLs, feeding and grooming using adaptive equipment and compensatory strategies
-Relies on tenodesis grasp
-May need hand splints and/or universal cuff

What are some activity limitations (mobility considerations) in a C6 SCI?

-Will most likely use power wheelchair, but may be able to self-propel manual wheelchair with adaptations on level surfaces
-Can drive adapted car
-Will most likely need assistance with transfers

What body structures/functions are affected in a C7 SCI?

Triceps and some finger extension

What are some activity limitations (ADL/IADL considerations) in a C7 SCI?

-Can be independent for most ADLs; may need assist with more difficult tasks
-May also utilize tenodesis grasp

What are some activity limitations (mobility considerations) in a C7 SCI?

-Can be independent with transfers
-Can self-propel manual wheelchair with adaptations (may need assist on unlevel surfaces and curbs)
-Can drive adapted car

What body structures/functions are affected in a C8 SCI?

Finger flexion

What are some activity limitations (ADL/IADL considerations) in a C8 SCI?

Can be independent with ADLs

What are some activity limitations (mobility considerations) in a C8 SCI?

-Should be able to transfer self
-Should be able to propel manual wheelchair
-Able to drive adapted car with hand controls

What body structures/functions are affected in a T1-T5 SCI?

-Upper chest
-Back
-Abdominal muscles
-Finger abductors (T1)*

*T1 may have some mild hand weakness; otherwise will have good arm/hand function

What are some activity limitations (ADL/IADL considerations) in a T1-T5 SCI?

Can be independent with all ADLs

What are some activity limitations (mobility considerations) in a T1-T5 SCI?

-Can be independent with transfers
-Independent with manual wheelchair
-Able to drive adapted car with hand controls

What body structures/functions are affected in a T6-T11 SCI?

-Abdominals and back muscles*
-Ejaculation (T11-T12)

*Should have fair sitting balance and trunk control; good arm function.

What are some activity limitations (ADL/IADL considerations) in a T6-T11 SCI?

Can be independent with all ADLs

What are some activity limitations (mobility considerations) in a T6-T11 SCI?

-Can be independent with transfers
-Independent with manual wheelchair
-Able to drive adapted car with hand controls

What body structures/functions are affected in an L1-L5 SCI?

-Hips, knees, hamstrings, ankles*
-Ejaculation (L1-L2)

*Will have hip and LE weakness; good trunk control and arm function

What are some activity limitations (ADL/IADL considerations) in an L1-L5 SCI?

Independent with all ADLs

What are some activity limitations (mobility considerations) in an L1-L5 SCI?

-Independent with transfers
-May need manual wheelchair, but may also be able to walk with braces and other adaptive equipment

What body structures/functions are affected in an S1-S5 SCI?

Ankles, posterior thighs, B&B, sexual function*

*May have some LE weakness; good trunk control and arm function

What are some activity limitations (ADL/IADL considerations) in an S1-S5 SCI?

Independent with all ADLs

What are some activity limitations (mobility considerations) in an S1-S5 SCI?

-Independent with transfers
-Should be able to walk with braces and/or assistive devices; may also be able to walk without any devices.