It does not include brachial plexus lesions or injury to peripheral nerves outside the neural canal. WIth paraplegia, arm functioning is spared, but, depending on the level of injury, the trunk, legs, and pelvic organs may be involved. Neurological Level Refers to the lowest segment of the spinal cord with normal sensory and motor function on both sides of the body. In fact, the segments at which normal function is found often differ by side of body and in terms of sensory vs. motor testing. Thus, up to four different segments may be identified in determining the neurological level.
Sacral sensation includes as well as deep anal sensation.
Voluntary contraction of the analy sphincter muscle is used to demonstrate preserved muscle function. This term is used when there is an absence of sensory and motor function in the lowest sacral segment. The neurologic level is given as the lowest level whre there is still some evidence of muscle function or sensation, but no preservation in the sacral area. Zone of Partial Preservation Refers to those dermatomes and myotomes below the neurological level that remain partially innervated. The term is used only with incomplete injuries.