ASIA Impairment Scale
Pronunciation: AY-zhuh
Also written as: AIS — ASIA Impairment Scale
A standardized classification system developed by the American Spinal Injury Association to grade the severity of spinal cord injury from complete (A) to normal (E).
Full Definition
The ASIA Impairment Scale (AIS) grades spinal cord injuries across five levels—A (complete), B (sensory incomplete), C (motor incomplete, <50% key muscles grade ≥3), D (motor incomplete, ≥50% key muscles grade ≥3), and E (normal)—based on standardized sensory and motor testing. In orthotic documentation, AIS grade determines the extent of residual motor function and therefore the degree of orthotic support required. Editors should note that 'ASIA' refers to the organization (American Spinal Injury Association) as well as the scale; context usually clarifies usage. The scale is also referred to as the 'AIS' in abbreviated form; ensure the acronym is expanded on first use in clinical reports.
Usage
Usage note: Expand the acronym on first use; clarify whether 'ASIA' refers to the organization or the scale when context is ambiguous.
In Context
- "Classification as ASIA D indicated sufficient residual motor function to trial a lightweight carbon-fibre AFO rather than a KAFO." — Orthotic clinical evaluation
- "Expand 'AIS' to 'ASIA Impairment Scale' on first mention in all published rehabilitation protocols." — Journal article style guide