SCI

Afferent

Tracts that carry signals away from the periphery toward the central nervous system.

Efferent

Tracts that carry signals from the central nervous system towards the periphery.

Reflex Arc

A neural pathway that controls reflex actions, bypassing the brain.

Quadriplegia

Paralysis that affects all four limbs, typically resulting from injuries in the cervical spinal region.

Paraplegia

Paralysis that affects the lower half of the body, usually due to injury in the thoracic or lumbar region.

Complete Injury

A spinal cord injury where there is a total loss of sensation and motor function below the injury site.

Incomplete Injury

A spinal cord injury where some function remains below the level of injury.

Autonomic Dysreflexia

A condition occurring in individuals with spinal cord injuries, characterized by an overactive autonomic response to stimuli below the injury.

Postural Hypotension

A decrease in blood pressure that occurs when a person stands up, leading to symptoms like lightheadedness and dizziness.

Heterotopic Ossification

The abnormal formation of bone in soft tissue, often seen in individuals with spinal cord injuries, particularly in the hips and knees.

UMN (Upper Motor Neurons)

Nerve cells that originate in the brain and carry messages to lower motor neurons, typically involved in spastic paralysis.

LMN (Lower Motor Neurons)

Nerve cells that originate in the spinal cord and extend to the muscles, typically involved in flaccid paralysis.

Thermal Regulation

The body's ability to maintain a stable internal temperature, which can be compromised in individuals with spinal cord injuries.

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

A condition where a blood clot forms in a deep vein, often related to prolonged inactivity and common after a spinal cord injury.

Manual Muscle Testing (MMT)

A method used to evaluate the strength of individual muscles or muscle groups.

CDC

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which provides statistics and information on public health issues including spinal cord injuries.

Brown-Sequard Syndrome

A type of incomplete spinal cord injury where one side of the spinal cord is damaged, resulting in specific sensory and motor deficits.

Conus Medullaris Syndrome

A spinal cord injury that affects the conus medullaris, leading to flaccid paralysis and loss of bowel/bladder control.

Cauda Equina Syndrome

A condition resulting from injury to the cauda equina nerves which can lead to loss of motor and sensory function below the injury.

Spinal Shock

A temporary condition following a spinal cord injury characterized by flaccid paralysis and absence of reflexes below the level of injury.

C4 Injury

Injury at the cervical fourth vertebra, often leading to loss of function in the diaphragm and requiring respiratory support.

Spasticity

Increased muscle tone and reflexes below the level of injury, commonly seen after spinal cord injuries.