There are two categories of SCIs. Your long-term prognosis varies based on whether your SCI is complete or incomplete. Whether you have a complete or incomplete SCI is determined by the part of your body below the point of injury.
You have an incomplete spinal cord injury if you can feel things and have partial or total control of limbs and organs below your SCI. People with incomplete SCIs usually have shorter recovery periods and a better long-term prognosis. In some cases, it’s possible to make a full recovery.
If you can’t feel anything below your SCI location, you have a complete SCI. Complete SCIs also cause paralysis. Although it’s possible to recover from a complete SCI, the recovery periods are longer. Some complete SCIs are permanent.