The body’s central nervous system is made up of the brain and the spinal cord. Spinal cord injuries often result in damage to the fiber tracts that transport signals to and from the brain, which can thus affect every part of the body.
When spinal cord damage is severe enough, the spinal nerves below the spinal cord injury may receive signals but will not be able to communicate with the brain. This can lead to permanent loss of sensation, reduced strength, and even paralysis.
The body may experience other effects, including loss of bladder control, intense pain, difficulty breathing, loss of sensation to touch, heat, and cold, and inhibited sexual function.