Spinal Cord Injury Classification
Also written as: AIS — ASIA Impairment Scale
A standardised system—most commonly the ASIA Impairment Scale—used to grade the severity and neurological level of a spinal cord injury for clinical and documentation purposes.
Full Definition
Spinal cord injury (SCI) classification provides a framework for describing the neurological consequences of spinal cord damage, enabling consistent communication across clinical teams, insurers, and researchers. The American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale (AIS) grades injuries from A (complete: no motor or sensory function below the level) to E (normal function). Editors working on SCI-related rehab technology documents must ensure that injury level (e.g., C5, T10) and AIS grade (e.g., AIS A, AIS C) are reported consistently and that 'complete' versus 'incomplete' injury is accurately reflected. Misrepresentation of these classifications can have significant funding and clinical implications.
Usage
Usage note: Report neurological level with the spinal level abbreviation (C, T, L, S) followed by the segment number, and the AIS grade separately: e.g., 'C5 AIS C.'
In Context
- "The equipment justification cited a C6 AIS B classification to support prescription of a power wheelchair with hand controls." — Funding justification letter
- "Editors should flag any discrepancy between the stated injury level and the described functional deficits in an SCI document." — Proofreading annotation