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What happens if C6 is damaged?
A C6 spinal cord injury affects the cord near the base of the neck. Injuries to this area of the spinal cord can result in loss of sensation or function of everything in the body from the top of the ribcage on down, including all four extremities.
What does C6 control?
C6 helps control the wrist extensors (muscles that control wrist extension) and also provides some innervation to the biceps. 1,3. The C6 dermatome covers the thumb side of the hand and forearm.
Why is a person who has a spinal cord injury at C6 is spared from needing a ventilator?
Because a C6 spinal cord injury can affect your ability to exhale forcefully and cough, it means that airway aspirations may build up in the airways and lungs. Another contributing factor can be increased production of these bodily fluids.
What type of paralysis would occur with an injury at the level of the vertebrae T6?
T1–T6: Paraplegia (paralysis of the legs and lower body) with full function of arms but loss of function below mid-chest.
What is affected with a C6 spinal cord injury?
What type of paralysis would occur at C6?
After a C6 spinal cord injury, individuals experience varying degrees of paralysis in the upper and lower body, also known as quadriplegia.
What does a C6 spinal cord injury mean?
A C6 spinal cord injury is one that affects the lower end of the cord near the base of the neck. Injuries to this area of the spinal cord can result in loss of sensation or function of everything in the body from the top of the ribcage on down, including all four extremities, or what is known as quadriplegia.
What part of the body does C6 control?
The C6 vertebra is the sixth cervical vertebra of the spine. It is found in the base of the neck between the C5 and the last cervical vertebra, C7. The C6 vertebra plays an important role in supporting and protecting the structures of the head and neck as well as anchoring the muscles that move and support the neck.
Can you breathe on your own if paralyzed from the neck down?
Lack of diaphragm control can cause the inability to breathe independently. As a result, individuals who are paralyzed from the neck down may need ventilator assistance to breathe, depending on where specifically in the cervical region their injury is.
What type of paralysis would occur with an injury at C6?
Can you walk after a C6 spinal cord injury?
Many factors play a role in regaining the ability to walk after a spinal cord injury. Fortunately, it is possible for many SCI survivors. There is potential to walk again after SCI because the spinal cord has the ability to reorganize itself and make adaptive changes called neuroplasticity.
What are the side effects of C-6 spinal cord injury?
Side Effects of C-6 Spine Injuries. Patients with C-6 injuries typically have some wrist control but no hand function. Other effects may include: Bowel and bladder dysfunction. Sexual dysfunction. Difficulty regulating heart rate, blood pressure, sweating, and body temperature.
Can a C6 vertebra cause carpal tunnel syndrome?
Patients with spinal cord tissue or nerve damage near the C6 vertebra often experience a false case of carpal tunnel syndrome. The patient will likely have numbness and / or tingling in the fingers, hands, and arms. Therapy, such as C6 spinal cord injury exercises, may address these issues.
Can a C7 or C8 spinal cord injury cause paralysis?
Types of spinal cord injury to this area have similar symptoms to those at the C6 and C7 levels. Depending upon the completeness, a C8 injury will lead to paralysis of the legs, trunk, and hands, with patients maintaining shoulder and arm movement. Treatment for C6, C7, & C8 Injuries
How to restore hand function after spinal cord injury?
This is referred to as tetraplegia (or quadriplegia). In some cases of tetraplegia, surgical methods, in conjunction with physical therapy, can be used to attempt restoration of hand function that was lost after the spinal cord injury.
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