Summary Functional implications of spinal cord injury

Functional implications of spinal
cord injury
Level C1–C2
Motor control

Swallow, talk, chew, blow (cough absent)

Personal independence

Type, turn pages, use telephone and computer

Equipment

Hoist, respirator, mouthstick, reclining powered wheelchair using
breath/chin control

Mobility Wheelchair


Level C3
Motor control

Neck control, weak shoulder elevation
Personal independence

As above
Equipment

Hoist, respirator, mouth/head stick, wheelchair as above

Mobility Wheelchair

, Level C4
Motor control

Respiration, neck control, shoulder shrug

Personal independence Feed possible
Equipment

Mouth/head stick, hoist, mobile arm supports, wheelchair as above

Mobility Wheelchair


Level C5
Motor control

Shoulder external rotation, protraction, elbow flexion, supination

Personal independence

Feed, groom, roll in bed, weight shift, push wheelchair on
flat, use brake
Equipment

Adapted feeding/grooming equipment and hand splints, mobile arm
supports, powered wheelchair with hand controls or lightweight manual
with grips

Mobility Wheelchair




Level C6
Motor control