Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Practice

What defines a complete spinal cord injury?

1. Total severance of the spinal cord with no nerve function below the injury

2. Partial severance of the spinal cord with some function retained

3. Presence of functional abilities below the level of injury

4. Minor nerve damage without loss of sensation

The correct answer is: Total severance of the spinal cord with no nerve function below the injury

A complete spinal cord injury is characterized by total severance or disruption of the spinal cord, leading to a total loss of motor and sensory function below the injury site. This means that there is no nerve function, resulting in paralysis and loss of sensation in the areas of the body below the site of injury. This definition is crucial for understanding the severity and potential outcomes of the injury, as individuals with complete spinal cord injuries will experience a full lack of voluntary movement and sensation below the lesion level, which has significant implications for rehabilitation and care. In contrast, the other options describe conditions that involve some degree of nerve function being preserved. For instance, partial severance implies that there is still some function remaining below the injury, which would not qualify as a complete injury. Similarly, the mention of functional abilities or minor nerve damage without loss of sensation indicates that some nerve functions remain intact, defining conditions that are considered incomplete spinal cord injuries. Understanding these distinctions is essential for rehabilitation counselors, as they inform treatment plans, goals, and client expectations.