ASIA Classification
This ASIA grade represents a complete injury with no sensory or motor function in S4-S5.
What is ASIA A?
A patient with a C6 SCI can independently use this grasp to assist with function.
What is tenodesis grasp?
This syndrome causes more severe weakness in the arms than in the legs and is often caused by extension injuries.
What is Central Cord Syndrome?
This medical emergency is caused by noxious stimuli and results in dangerously high blood pressure.
What is Autonomic Dysreflexia?
This technique uses the motion of the wrist to open and close the fingers in individuals without active finger flexion.
What is tenodesis grasp?
This ASIA grade represents preserved sensory function but no motor function below the level of injury.
What is ASIA B?
This level of injury typically results in paraplegia and full use of the upper extremities.
What is T1?
This syndrome involves ipsilateral loss of motor and proprioception, and contralateral loss of pain and temperature.
What is Brown-Sequard Syndrome?
Patients with SCI must perform this every 15-20 minutes when seated to prevent pressure ulcers.
What is pressure relief/weight shift?
SCI patients with impaired cough may benefit from this technique performed by a PTA.
What is assisted coughing?
This is the key area tested to determine if an SCI is complete or incomplete.
What is the S4-S5 segment?
These levels control the diaphragm and are crucial for breathing.
What is C3-C5 (phrenic nerve)?
This syndrome usually results in flaccid paralysis and saddle anesthesia due to LMN injury.
What is Cauda Equina Syndrome?
This condition involves abnormal bone growth in soft tissue and can limit joint movement.
What is heterotopic ossification?
This standing device helps gradually acclimate patients to upright posture.
What is a tilt table?
This ASIA grade indicates motor function is preserved below the neurological level, and most key muscles below have a muscle grade less than 3.
What is ASIA C?
This cervical level allows for use of elbow extension due to triceps innervation.
This rare syndrome results in the loss of proprioception with preservation of motor and pain/temperature.
What is Posterior Cord Syndrome?
This complication causes sudden low blood pressure when transitioning to upright posture.
What is orthostatic hypotension?
SCI patients often use this device at night to support functional hand positioning and prevent contractures.
What is an intrinsic plus hand splint?
This ASIA grade represents normal motor and sensory function.
What is ASIA E?
This lumbar level typically allows independent community ambulation with an AFO.
What is L5?
This incomplete SCI is associated with flexion injuries and anterior spinal artery damage.
What is Anterior Cord Syndrome?
This urologic complication is a leading cause of mortality in SCI patients.
What is urinary tract infection?
These physics concepts are important for improved independence with bed mobility and transfers.
What is momentum and head-hip relationship?