ASIA Impairment Scale
Also written as: AIS — ASIA Impairment Scale
A standardised classification system used to grade the severity of spinal cord injury based on motor and sensory testing across dermatomes and myotomes.
Full Definition
The ASIA Impairment Scale (AIS), developed by the American Spinal Injury Association, grades spinal cord injury from Grade A (complete: no motor or sensory function below the neurological level) through Grade E (normal function). The scale is central to rehabilitation documentation, prognosis, and research stratification in spinal cord injury populations. Editors should note that 'ASIA' in this context refers to the American Spinal Injury Association, not the geographic region, and should ensure context eliminates ambiguity. The full form is 'ASIA Impairment Scale' or 'AIS'; 'ASIA score' is colloquial and should be avoided in formal copy. The accompanying examination tool is the International Standards for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury (ISNCSCI).
Usage
Usage note: Expand 'ASIA' as 'American Spinal Injury Association' on first use. Avoid colloquial 'ASIA score'; use 'AIS grade' in formal documents.
In Context
- "At admission, the patient was classified as ASIA Impairment Scale Grade B, indicating incomplete injury with preserved sensation only." — Spinal cord injury admission summary
- "Editors should expand 'ASIA' on first use to avoid confusion with the geographic region." — Style guidance for spinal cord injury journal