The normal spinal cord is represented on the right as a cross section. Injury to different regions of the spinal cord can produce predictable patterns since the information pathways of the spinal cord are organized and constant in position in the cord. Injuries to the spinal cord are sometimes subtle producing vague symptoms or grotesque producing a severe disruption in normal function or complete loss of function (paralysis). The diagrams below are used to show injuries to different regions of the cross section of the spinal cord.



Paralysis! Complete disruption of the spinal cord on this cross section. Depending on the location of the cross section in the spinal cord (cervical, thoracic, upper lumbar), determines what functions are lost. Injury to the cervical spinal cord may effect the movement of the arms and hands, as well as the inability to walk. Injury to the lower thoracic spinal cord spares the hands but would effect the ability to walk.



Injury to the anterior 2/3 of the spinal cord results in the loss of movement and sensation below the level of injury. (cervical spinal cord, thoracic spinal cord, upper lumbar spinal cord). Deep sensation may be present because it's messages are carried by the region in the back of the spinal cord which has not been injured. Vibration and joint position senses are preserved.



If half of the spinal cord is injured (front to back) then movement is lost on the same side but sensation (pain, temperature, and light touch) is lost on the opposite side of the body. The sensation messaging system crosses over while the movement messages stay on the same side of the spinal cord until reaching the area of the base of the brain.

The central part of the spinal cord can be injured. Because of the arrangement of the messaging system, a central cord injury in the neck effects the arms more than the legs.



Vibration and joint position sense are lost with injuries to the back of the spinal cord.

The conus is the end of the spinal cord and the cauda equina are the nerves originating out of the end of the spinal cord. Injury to these regions can effect the bladder and legs.