What is the American Spinal Cord Injury Association (ASIA) impairment scale?

Certain workplaces pose a higher risk of injury to staff, whether on a construction site or working within an industrial plant. In the event a spinal cord injury takes place at work, immediate medical attention is a must to mitigate worsening effects.

Doctors use the American Spinal Cord Injury Association (ASIA) impairment scale to assess these injuries and plan the best course of attack when it comes to treatment and therapy. Here is a breakdown of the five impairment categories and what they mean.

Grade A (complete)

A complete injury of the spine means a total loss of function and sensation below the area of the injury. These injuries can affect limb function and mobility, as well as bowel and bladder control. While it is possible to partially recover from a complete injury, instances of recovery are rare.

Grade B (incomplete)

With an incomplete spinal cord injury, the person retains some sensation below the neurological level, which is the closest normal spinal area to the injury site. However, loss of motor function occurs with grade B injuries.

Grade C (incomplete)

Grade C injuries entail some function and sensation below the neurological level, but the resulting weakness in important muscle groups can make mobility challenging.

Grade D (incomplete)

Grade D injuries are similar to grade C, only essential muscle groups are stronger and more capable of movement.

Grade E (normal)

A grade E result indicates that the person’s motor and sensory functions are not impacted and are behaving normally.

Accurate examinations and assessments of your injuries is crucial to getting the right sort of treatment. An accurate diagnosis can also mitigate some complications associated with spinal cord injuries, depending on the extent of the damage.