SCI by Level

Spinal cord injury looks very different at C2 than at T10, and different again with a cauda equina injury. Each page below covers preserved function, common barriers to independent living, durable medical equipment, and adaptive sports for that level group.

C1–C4 High Tetraplegia

C1 through C4 (high cervical)

Highest level of injury. Often ventilator-dependent. Requires 24-hour caregiver support but rich quality of life is fully achievable.

C5–C7 Mid-Low Tetraplegia

C5 through C7 (mid to low cervical)

Tetraplegia with progressively more arm function. C5 elbow flexion. C6 wrist extension and tenodesis grip. C7 elbow extension and finger flexion — the level at which manual-chair independence becomes realistic.

T1–T6 High Paraplegia

T1 through T6 (upper thoracic)

Full hand and arm function. Limited trunk control. Autonomic dysreflexia risk is still present. Manual wheelchair user, fully independent in self-care.

T7–T12 Low Paraplegia

T7 through T12 (mid to low thoracic)

Full upper-body and abdominal trunk control. No autonomic dysreflexia risk. Highest-functioning wheelchair-using level — most adaptive sports are within reach.

Cauda Equina and Conus Medullaris

L1 and below (true cauda equina) or T12–L1 segments (conus medullaris)

Lower-motor-neuron injury below the spinal cord proper. Flaccid paralysis (not spastic), areflexic bladder and bowel, often asymmetric. Many people walk with bracing — many do not.

Education only. Not medical advice. Many people have injuries that span these neat categories or are incomplete (AIS B, C, or D) — your specific level and ASIA grade matters more than any single page here. Talk to your rehab team about what applies to you.