Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Practice

What is the result of a spinal cord injury at T1?

1. Inability to use hands

2. Enhanced upper body strength

3. Slight weakness and flexibility issues of the hands

4. Total paralysis of the arms

The correct answer is: Slight weakness and flexibility issues of the hands

A spinal cord injury at the level of T1 results in some degree of impairment in hand functionality due to the disruption of nerve signals that control hand movements. However, it does not lead to complete loss of function; individuals with T1 injuries typically retain the ability to use their wrists and hands but may experience slight weakness and flexibility challenges. This is because the T1 vertebra is at the upper portion of the thoracic spine, with its nerve connections primarily affecting the trunk and below, meaning that the arms remain functional, although they may not operate at full strength or dexterity. The other options do not accurately reflect the impact of a T1 injury. Total paralysis of the arms is associated with higher cervical injuries, while inability to use hands would suggest a higher level of injury that affects upper extremity function more severely. Enhanced upper body strength is not a typical result of a T1 injury; instead, individuals often experience decreased upper body strength, particularly in handling tasks that require fine motor skills.