Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)

About Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) is trauma or damage that results in temporary or permanent changes in the spinal cord’s normal motor, sensory, or autonomic function.

Frequent causes of SCI include motor vehicle crashes, falls, acts of violence (gunshot wounds), and sports and recreational activities.

The effects of SCI depend on the type of injury and the level of the injury. 

SCI can be divided into two types of injury – complete and incomplete:

  • A complete injury means that there is no sensation or voluntary movement below the level of the injury.
  • An incomplete injury means that there is some functioning below the primary level of the injury. A person with an incomplete injury  may be able to move one or more limbs or may be able to feel parts of the body that cannot be moved.

According to the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, nearly 1 person in 50 is living with paralysis.

To learn more: Visit Arizona Spinal Cord Injury Association.

To connect with the national network of people living with paralysis, visit the Paralysis Resource Center at the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation.

SCI Awareness Month

SEPTEMBER IS NATIONAL SCI AWARENESS MONTH!

According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, more than 17,900 new spinal cord injuries take place every year. An SCI often represents a shocking, overwhelming, isolating, and traumatic event—not only for an individual but also for their family, friends, and community.

Every individual living with an SCI may experience unique physical, mental, and emotional impacts after injury. An SCI can result in multiple short-term, long-term, or lifelong medical concerns.

Please check out the Resource List, and articles listed below, or go to the websites listed above for additional information and support. 

Spinal Cord Injury Information

Additional  Resources

Listed below are online resources and information related to spinal cord injury and paralysis. 

United Spinal Association

What is Spinal Cord Injury/Disorder?

Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center

Living With SCI Resources

Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation

Paralysis Resource Center

Craig Hospital

SCI Resource Library

Move United

Adaptive Sports

Paralyzed Veterans of America

Homepage

Travis Roy Foundation

SCI Overview and Resources

New Mobility

Homepage

U.S Department of Veterans Affairs

SCI System of Care Information

Learn About Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

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