Question
Hi, we have a friend who was involved in a motorcycle accident causing C-3 injury to be compressed with spinal cord damage.  He has been diagnosed as a quadriplegic at this time.  He does have some slight movement of the left leg and can slightly move his left hand.  Will this be a permanent condition?  Can or will he ever be able to function or move his arms/legs again?

Answer
hi beverly

the slight movement is indicative of an 'incomplete' injury- that is when some movement or sensation remains below the level of injury. it's almost impossible to say whether or not your friend will gain further use of his hands or legs, but i can tell you that i've never seen someone with sci go back to 'normal'. Usually you will know in the first 6 months-one year as the swelling in the cord subsides.

So- yes, at least the majority of his condition will likely be permanent. Will he be able to function? Not as before, though once in a rehab facility they will teach him to do as much for himself as possible. It is a very high injury and may require he remains on a ventilator, though i hope it is not necessary as it will complicate things. And the recovery process is long and unpleasant...

I'm sorry I don't have anything more hopeful to offer you- I try not to sugarcoat things as I think this leads to hopes being let down later on. The best thing I can advise you to do is to treat him like you always did before and to look for small improvements rather than sudden total recovery. Make sense?

It is hard, but it can be done
good luck
leslie