Frankel et al used a grading scheme in patients with spinal cord injury. The authors are from the National Spinal Injuries Centre at Stoke Mandeville Hospital in England.
Patient examination: Determine the anatomic level of spinal cord injury.
Motor Function Below Level of Injury |
Sensory Function Below Level |
Abnormal Reflexes |
Term |
Grade |
complete paralysis (no function) |
no sensation |
|
complete |
A |
complete paralysis (no function) |
some sensation |
|
sensory only |
B |
some motor function but of no practical use to the patient |
|
|
motor useless |
C |
some motor function, with some use to the patient |
|
|
motor useful |
D |
normal |
normal |
may be present |
recovery |
E |
where:
• "Sensory only" includes patients with sacral sparing.
• Patients with "motor useful" may be able to walk with or without an aid.
Specialty: Neurology