(C1-C5)
Patients with a C1–C5 SCI are unable to propel a manual wheelchair independently due to lack of upper extremity motor control. They will require a power wheelchair with a head, chin, or sip-and-puff control system for independent mobility.
Are patients with a C1-C5 able to propel a wheelchair?
A patient with a C6 SCI can independently propel a manual wheelchair on level surfaces using wrist extension and tenodesis grip, though fatigue is common, and assistance may be needed on uneven terrain or inclines.
Will patients with a C6 lesion be able to propel a wheelchair independently?
A patient with a C7–C8 SCI can independently propel a manual wheelchair on various surfaces, including outdoors and uneven terrain, due to improved upper extremity strength and trunk stability.
Will a patient with a C7–C8 lesions be able to independently propel a manual wheelchair?
Patients with T1–T9 injuries can independently propel a manual wheelchair over all surfaces and inclines with good control and endurance, due to full upper limb strength and trunk stability (especially at lower thoracic levels).
Will a patient with a T1-T9 lesions be able to independently propel a manual wheelchair?
Some patients with T12–L2 injuries may be able to ambulate short distances using assistive devices, such as KAFOs (knee-ankle-foot orthoses), forearm crutches, or walkers. However, many still prefer a wheelchair for community distances due to fatigue and efficiency.
Will a patient with a T10-T12 lesions be able to independently ambulate?
These individuals are dependent for lower body dressing as they do not have the motor control needed to move their legs or torso and cannot assist significantly with the task.
Will C1-C5 patients be able to dress themselves independently?
Lower body dressing is not fully independent. The patient may be able to participate using adaptive techniques and equipment (e.g., dressing stick, loops), but typically requires minimal to moderate assistance depending on their strength, balance, and setup.
Will patients with a C6 lesion be able to dress independently?
Many patients at this level can complete lower body dressing independently on a bed or wheelchair, often using adaptive techniques or equipment (like loops or reachers), as well as upper body dressing.
Will a patient with a C7–C8 lesions be able to independently dress themselves?
These individuals can independently dress their lower body, both in bed and in a wheelchair, without the need for adaptive equipment. Good trunk control (especially at T7–T9) helps maintain balance during dressing tasks.
Will a patient with a T1-T9 lesions be able to independently dress themselves?
Patients at this level are independent with lower body dressing, both in bed and seated. Full trunk control allows for safe leaning and balance, making dressing functional and efficient.
Will a patient with a T10-T12 lesions be able to independently dress themselves?
Patients are unable to perform wheelchair push-ups for pressure relief. They will require a power tilt-in-space wheelchair or caregiver assistance to ensure pressure relief is completed regularly to prevent pressure injuries.
Will C1-C5 patients be able to perform pressure relief independently?
Patients can perform pressure relief independently using lateral leaning techniques or power tilt-in-space features if they use a power chair. They cannot perform full push-ups, but can shift weight with training.
Will patients with a C6 lesion be able to independently provide pressure relief?
With functioning triceps (C7) and improved grip (C8), the patient can independently perform wheelchair push-ups for pressure relief.
Will a patient with a C7–C8 lesions be able to independently provide pressure relief?
Patients are independent with wheelchair push-ups for pressure relief. At this level, they have strong triceps and trunk control, allowing for safe and effective pressure relief techniques.
Will a patient with a T1-T9 lesions be able to independently provide pressure relief
They may still use a manual wheelchair for community mobility, especially when energy conservation is needed, but are fully independent in navigating all environments
Will a patient with a T10-T12 still require use of a wheelchair?
Individuals with C5 level injuries may have some shoulder and elbow flexion and may be able to assist in feeding themselves with adaptive equipment. C1–C4 injuries are typically dependent for feeding.
Will C1-C5 patients be able to feed themselves?
Feeding can be independent with adaptive equipment, like a universal cuff, built-up utensils. The patient may use a tenodesis grip to stabilize and control the utensil.
Will patients with a C6 lesion be able to independently feed themselves?
Feeding is fully independent without adaptive equipment. C8-level function allows for grasp and release of utensils, cups, and other common items using natural hand movements.
Will a patient with a C7–C8 lesions be able to independently feed themselves?
Feeding is completely independent with no adaptive equipment needed. Fine motor control is fully intact from T1 downward.
Will a patient with a T1-T9 lesions be able to independently feed themselves?
Independent with all transfers, including to and from the floor, car, and toilet. Many individuals can perform advanced mobility skills like car loading and curbs without assistance.
Will a patient with a T10-T12 lesions be able to independently transfer themselves?
These patients are dependent for all transfers (e.g., bed to wheelchair, toilet, shower), requiring mechanical lift use or full assistance from caregivers.
Will C1-C5 patients be able to transfer themselves to different surfaces?
They can often perform slide board transfers with assistance, especially from wheelchair to level surfaces. Transfers to uneven surfaces or without equipment may require mod to max assist.
Will patients with a C6 lesion be able to independently transfer themselves?
A patient with a C7–C8 can perform independent transfers, including to most surfaces (e.g., bed, toilet, car), often without a sliding board, although technique and energy conservation training are still important.
Will a patient with a C7–C8 lesions be able to independently transfer to different surfaces?
Individuals with T1–T9 SCI can independently perform transfers (bed, toilet, car, floor) without assistive devices. Many also learn advanced techniques like floor-to-chair transfers and car loading.
Will a patient with a T1-T9 lesions be able to independently transfer themselves?
Depending on the specific sacral nerve involvement, some individuals may have partial to full voluntary control of bladder and bowel function. Programs may still be in place, but independence is typical with minimal or no assistance needed.
"Will a patient with a T10–T12 lesion require a bowel and bladder program to effectively empty their bladder/bowels