All spinal cord injuries (or SCIs) are unique; however, each case can be classified within one of five levels. The level of a particular SCI is determined by how the injury has affected the patient’s motor and sensory function.

The American Spinal Injury Association’s widely-used ASIA Impairment Scale establishes the international standard for categorizing SCIs. The five levels of spinal cord injuries are:

1. ASIA A Complete
2. ASIA B Sensory Incomplete
3. ASIA C Motor Incomplete
4. ASIA D Motor Incomplete
5. ASIA E Normal

Let’s take a closer look at the five levels of spinal cord injuries:

1. ASIA A Complete

An SCI that is categorized as ASIA A is one that results in no motor or sensory function whatsoever below the level of injury. This includes the loss of control over the bladder and bowels.

2. ASIA B Sensory Incomplete

People who sustain an ASIA B SCI retain some sensation below the level of injury. However, they have no motor function below the neurological level of damage.

3. ASIA C Motor Incomplete

Patients with an ASIA C spinal cord injury still retain some motor function below the point of injury. However, more than 50 percent of the major muscles are unable to move against gravity. Therefore, individuals with such a diagnosis must still cope with seriously limited mobility.  

4. ASIA D Motor Incomplete

When people sustain an ASIA D spinal cord injury, more than 50 percent of the muscles below the point of injury are spared and have a muscle grade of at least 3— meaning they’re still able to move against gravity.

5. ASIA E Normal

An ASIA E SCI is one that does not cause any permanent loss of sensory or motor function. Patients who make a full recovery after sustaining an SCI are said to have sustained a Grade E injury.

The Effects of a Spinal Cord Injury

Suffering a spinal cord injury—or witnessing someone you love sustain one—is always devastating, regardless of its severity. Recovering from such a catastrophic injury is also costly.

Even with adequate health insurance, accident victims typically incur weeks or even months of lost wages, and many are unable to return to work at all. Fortunately, those who were hurt through no fault of their own have the right to pursue compensation from all liable parties.

Call (765) 742-9046 to discuss your case with an Indiana spinal cord injury attorney.

If you or someone you love sustained an SCI because of another party’s negligence, your family may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. To determine if you have grounds for a claim, turn to Ball Eggleston.

Our compassionate personal injury attorneys have recovered more than $200 million for accident victims and their families. Call (765) 742-9046 or use our online contact form to set up a free case evaluation with a spinal cord injury lawyer in Lafayette.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced attorneys.

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Ball Eggleston—a Lafayette, Indiana law firm—is located at 201 Main Street, Suite 810 P.O. Box 1535 Lafayette, IN 47902. Contact Ball Eggleston by phone at (765) 742-9046, by fax at (765) 742-1966, or by email at info@ball-law.com. For additional information, find Ball Eggleston online at www.ball-law.com.

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Disclaimer: The content of this blog is intended to be general and informational in nature. It is advertising material and is not intended to be, nor is it, legal advice to or for any particular person, case, or circumstance. Each situation is different, and you should consult an attorney if you have any questions about your situation.