When signals travel to or from the brain, they cross over to the other side. The left side of the brain receives sensation from, and sends motor signals to, the right side of the body and vice versa. The main symptom of spinal cord trauma is a loss of movement and feeling below the level of injury. Trauma to the spine at or below the spot where the neck and chest meet will affect the legs. Complete loss of function at this level is called paraplegia.
Incomplete loss is called paraparesis.
Injuries involving the neck will also affect the arms. Complete loss of function in the arms and below is called quadriplegia. Partial loss in all four limbs is called quadriparesis. These losses may be partial or complete. They may be temporary or permanent.