Higher cervical injuries are the most severe types of spinal cord injuries and cause the most damage to the patient. A person with higher cervical injuries will typically suffer from paralysis in most of the body affecting all limbs (quadriplegia) and require around-the-clock care. They may also have difficulty breathing without assistance.
Lower cervical injuries affect the function of the arms and hands. The patient may have total paralysis in their trunk, hands and legs. They may also lose control of their bowels or bladder.
Thoracic injuries affect the muscles in the upper chest, mid-back and abdominal region. These injuries can also affect the trunk and legs, resulting in paralysis of the legs and lower body (paraplegia).
Lumbar injuries affect the hips and legs and patients may lose total control of their bowels or bladder.
Sacral injuries also affect the hips and legs. Patients may also lose total control of their bowels or bladder, but they will likely be able to walk.