6 replies to this topic

[Kwag_Myers]

carole338, on Apr 6 2008, 09:29 AM, said:

…my level of injury dropped from T10/11 to L2 in 7 months…

I’ve seen a couple of comments of this nature here and it has me wondering about my own “classification”. My injury was caused by the fractured T12 bone pieces pressing against my spinal cord. However, according to the Myotomes & Dermatomes description of muscle and sensory function, I’m more like a S1. I can wiggle my toes, but can’t stand on my tip-toes (not enough strength in my ankles). So, does this mean that I’m an S1?

[Apparelyzed]

Hi,

As I understand it:

L4, L5, S1 Extension of toes
L5, S1, S2 Plantar flexion of foot
L5, S1, S2 Flexion of toes

In order to know your true level of neurology, you would need a full test doing by a neurologist though, to determine if you were a complete or incomplete injury.

Hope that helps.

Regards

Simon.

[carole338]

You quoted my post when I said I went from a T10/T11 to an L2.

I was originally diagnosed as a T10/11. When I had the infarction to my spinal cord (Feb. 26, 2007) I could only move my one right toe and my left shoulder so they knew I was incomplete. I worked hard with the therapists as an inpatient and regained good trunk strength and balance, and eventually motor control of my hips. I was scheduled to participate in the locomotive therapy project and had another examination by my Physiatrist and the exam (Pin and swab pressure and sensory test) showed I was now an L2. So there can be regenerative progress if you are incomplete. My progress is now very, very slow, but continuing. Read a lot of info and articles on this site. They give excellent recovery percentages.

Good news, bad news. Good news- I progressed to an L2. Bad news- I was ineligible for the locomotive project.

I can flex my toes, move my ankles, even move my legs forward a little when sitting. I have no weight bearing ability and can only do these things when there is zero gravity, yet they considered me an L2 and not any S level. I only wish…..

I guess you need to get tested by your Physiatrist or Neurologist to determine your level and completeness as Simon suggested.
Regards,
Carole

[Webwych]

Can someone tell me where I can get a clear definition of each class? I have had a look at one page and it says your T12 cord is in the T8 vertebrae section. I suspect I am higher than a T12 because my 'dimple' (Spina Bifida) is pretty much in between the last ribs of my ribcage....do you understand what I mean?

I can feel everything on my left side but can't actually move anything below my ribcage on the left beyond a very slow pointing of my foot (which takes about three weeks to relax so I can get it back on my footplate ). On my right side I frequently get a numb thigh, I can bend my knee no problem but I can't wiggle my foot or toes and I have no feeling in my heel or toes.

Of course it doesn't change anything, I just want to satisfy my natural curiosity

[Kwag_Myers]

Go to the link in my first post - Myotomes & Dermatomes. The charts should help you evaluate your status. For example: S1 says "Pulls foot down". Since my injury I've never been able to stand on my toes. Plus, when I compare the areas of numbness and no sensation to the Dermatome chart I can see more evidence that tells me my status is around the S1.

Also, Simon has additional information in the Spinal Cord Injury Acronyms thread (at the top of the General Discussion Forum).

Edited by Kwag_Myers, 09 April 2008 - 10:41 AM.

[Webwych]

Kwag_Myers, on Apr 9 2008, 11:40 AM, said:

Go to the link in my first post - Myotomes & Dermatomes. The charts should help you evaluate your status. For example: S1 says "Pulls foot down". Since my injury I've never been able to stand on my toes. Plus, when I compare the areas of numbness and no sensation to the Dermatome chart I can see more evidence that tells me my status is around the S1.

Also, Simon has additional information in the Spinal Cord Injury Acronyms thread (at the top of the General Discussion Forum).

Thanks Kwag (love your username!)

EDIT: Yes, I'm t12. This diagram is helpful because it shows your vertebrae in relation to your rib cage.

Edited by Webwych, 09 April 2008 - 05:34 PM.

[Kwag_Myers]

I see Simon has put the same information here. Thx Simon!

edit: I discussed this with my Dr. today and he informed me that the reference is to the area of the spine which is unaffected. So, for me, my symptoms seem to start in relationship to S1, the classification would be L5.

However, mine is a bit more complicated as I have Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES).

Edited by Kwag_Myers, 10 April 2008 - 11:17 PM.